ELLENDALE — Christmas came to the country once again this year in Ellendale.

The Ellendale Commercial Club put on the 27th annual Christmas in the Country last Saturday. The event comprises local business and organizations offering sales and specials to area shoppers.

It’s usually the first weekend in December, and for the second year in a row the event was on a Saturday, as opposed to Sunday like previous years.

Multiple businesses participated, according to City Clerk-Treasurer Leeann Hojberg.

Lerberg’s Foods had a one-day meat sale and Steve’s Meat Market had gift certificates. Floors 4-U offered previews of available products complete with hot apple cider and coffee. Chloe’s Corner had $3 grab bags for sale and Ellendale Municipal Liquor Store had food and drink specials.

There were activities for young and old. Whispering Winds Assisted Living had tours of the decorated facilities as well as coffee and treats with the residents. There was Santa bingo for children at City Hall, complete with Santa Claus coming to visit with plenty of candy.

Country Charm Ceramics also offered free ornament painting for children, and there was an elf on the shelf scavenger hunt throughout the participating businesses, with the winner getting $50 in Ellendale Bucks. The day was rounded off with the Albert Lea High School caroliers singing for the shoppers and homemade soup and bars at St. Aidan’s Catholic Church.