Staffs at the Patriot Newspaper and Steil Insurance held an “After Hours” Becker Chamber event at their offices last Thursday that featured a Christmas theme.

The companies, who occupy the same building along Bank Street, opened their doors to Chamber members and guests and offered free food and beverages. The event also featured a ribbon cutting ceremony for Steil Insurance just inside their doors.

Members and guests were asked to arrive in their best (or worst) Christmas ugly sweater for a contest voted on and awarded later in the evening. Carol Hanson of the Patriot received the most votes and won a planter donated as a prize.

Ron Mumm of Steil stole the show as he donned an absurd Christmas suit in blue, red and white colors featuring reindeer and snowflakes on his pants, jacket and tie.

Guests toured the offices of the two companies and many just hung out and enjoyed the gift of gab and talked current events and/or how their businesses are doing. A gift basket was also donated to a random drawing of participants by the Patriot in which Tanya Danielson of Sherburne State Bank was the winner. Candace Hanson won a gift certificate from the Patriot as well. Steil Insurance gave away gift cards and the winners were Matt Lunser of GLM Displays, Matt Marquette of Luke Realty and Eric Hanson of Arvig Media.

A grand “thank you” to all who showed up and enjoyed the festivities!