Tis the season of giving, and Aspen Chic Designs in Killdeer is capping off its first-ever toy drive this weekend with a substantial portion of their sales going to charity. Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2022 will also be on scene, greeting people as one of her first holiday appearances in her new role.
As the recently opened western boutique store wraps up its seasonal toy drive , Miss Rodeo North Dakota Elise Burwell will do a meet and greet with the public from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, inside the store.
The boutique store’s owner Courtney Grapentine organized the event to help cap off her first Christmas toy drive, which she started after Black Friday.
Anyone who donates a toy will receive a 15% discount on their purchase at the store, and 20% of sales will be donated to buy groceries for struggling families. The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Toy donations can also be dropped off leading up to the event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
There will be a hot chocolate bar and children will be invited to write letters to Santa Claus. Grapentine said anyone hoping to spread additional Christmas cheer can make monetary donations to the grocery program on her store’s website .
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Burwell said she’s excited to draw attention to a wonderful cause.
Burwell won the state’s Miss Rodeo title by competing in horsemanship, speeches, appearance and personality. She’ll be having her coronation party and fundraiser on New Year’s Day at the Killdeer Rodeo Grounds. The role brings many travel and wardrobe expenses, she said.
“Being a rodeo queen is considered an unpaid internship. We learn a lot and it’s great experience,” she said. “Next year, I will compete for Miss Rodeo America in Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo.”
Aspen Chic Designs has been doing business online since 2019, and opened its physical storefront in September. The store bears the name of Grapentine’s 3-year-old daughter, Aspen. It’s located at 42 Central Ave. S., in Killdeer. For more information, visit aspenchicdesigns.com or call 612-607-4546.
