Olde Open News Today

Downtown business owners are excited for the return of St. Patrick’s Day festivities after the pandemic sidelined the money-generating event. And the Irish-themed holiday known for wearing green, shamrocks and drinking will be celebrated in Crosslake a week from Saturday.

Brainerd lakes area businesses have had a heck of a time during the coronavirus pandemic with shutdowns and reopenings, but with COVID-19 vaccines now widely available — and despite rising case numbers and overwhelmed hospitals — how are small businesses doing this holiday season?

“I think what we have right now is not full-blown revitalization. Certainly, I don’t think it’s where everybody wants it to be, but I think what we have right now is an ember. The ember is glowing, but it’s fragile," Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce President Matt Killian said.

“I think what we have right now is not full-blown revitalization. Certainly, I don’t think it’s where everybody wants it to be, but I think what we have right now is an ember. The ember is glowing, but it’s fragile," Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce President Matt Killian said.