For 12 years the City of Bemidji has been known as the First City of Lights! The Chamber and the Downtown Development Authority are planning for the 12th season of lights and First City of Lights Parade! We hope that you can help us keep this annual tradition shining! 

We look forward to seeing you on November 23rd as we begin our celebration with the First City of Lights Parade and the Lighting of the Pines at the Waterfront.

How to help sustain the annual lighting program in Bemidji

Please download, print, fill out and mail the form and make your tax deductible contribution to the Twelfth Annual First City of Lights. The First City Lights Fund has been established with Northwest Minnesota Foundation allowing you to claim a charitable tax deduction for your gift. On-line donations can be made at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation Environmental Funds page.

You can participate in a variety of levels. All donors will be listed in the First City of Lights page in the Wednesday, November 21st edition of the Bemidji Pioneer. Rising Star & North Star donors’ logo will be displayed in the Pioneer.

• Donate Online (through the Northwest Minnesota Foundation website)
• First City Lights Business Sponsorship Form (Printable PDF)
• "Adopt a Tree" Individual Sponsor Form (Printable PDF)
• Order a Lights of Bemidji CD for $10 +tax $4.00 shipping & handling by contacting Carol at chamber@paulbunyan.net or call 218-444-3541 x100. Proceeds from CD sales will help to sustain the First City of Lights future in Bemidji!

Business Sponsor Levels: Twinkling Star($100-$199) Shinning Star ($200-$299) First City Star ($300-$499) Rising Star ($500-$749) North Star ($750 & up)

Adopt-a-Tree Individual Sponsor levels: 1 Tree $35 2 Trees $70 Grove $100-$150 Forest! Over $150

More Winter Fun in January with Polar Daze!