The annual Bad River Community Christmas Party was held at the Community Center on Saturday, December 8th. This year's theme was inspired by the popular Christmas film Polar Express. Smiles, food and laughs were abundant throughout the day as members of the community came together to celebrate the holidays.

The party kicked off with Santa and his elves being welcomed into the community center through song.

"The best part is when you see the kids happy when Santa comes," said Esie Leoso-Corbine, Director of Bad River Social & Family Services. "Before he comes in, they sing a Christmas song. Santa loves to hear them sing, so they get louder and louder. That's how he knows that the kids are ready."

Esie helped coordinate the planning of the party this year. She loves seeing the happy children and helping families during the holidays.

All children received a gift and a stocking filled with candy, popcorn, cookies and fruit. In addition to the snacks provided in the stockings, there were plenty of goodies at the different booths located around the Center. A hot chocolate stand, complete with marshmallows, peppermint, whipped cream and the works, provided a yummy treat for those with a sweet tooth.

One of the highlights of the party was a Holiday Cake Wars Contest with cakes decorated in the Polar Express theme. The cake contest was intended to promote competition and good sportsmanship among youth, as well as to provide a delicious dessert for the meal. Congratulations to Courtney Jones, who took first place in the contest! Scroll down to see photos of the top three winners and their creations.

Throughout the day, children danced around to an Ojibwe hand drum song for a traditional spin on the game musical chairs. Other activities included cookie decorating, ornament crafting, snowman bean bag toss, pictures with Santa, and writing letters to soldiers serving overseas.

Participants were also able to take a trip on the Polar Express train. A hay ride, decorated as the famous holiday train, was a popular attraction throughout the day.

Most of the funding and activities provided at the party were made available by donations from various Tribal departments, local businesses, and other organizations. Some of the sponsors for the event included the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation, Ashland Memorial Hospital and Little Caesars Pizza.

Thank you and Merry Christmas to the generous sponsors, Tribal departments, the planning committee, volunteers and organizations who helped make the annual holiday party a success!

Congratulations to the Cake Wars Winners:

1st place winner - Courtney Jones

2nd place winners - Renee & Lola Baldwin

3rd place winner - Michelle Davis

Chi Miigwech for your efforts in making beautiful and delicious holiday treats!

 

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College completed another step in returning to both the Bad River and Red Cliff communities.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Change Panel has recommended this move for approval by the Institutional Actions Council (IAC), an HLC decision-making body. Approval by the IAC is the final step for Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College to offer full course work at:

For more information on  Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College, visit their website.