NORA, S.D. (KELO) — It has been a busy weekend for Mike Pedersen at the Nora Store.
Since a story detailing his caroling tradition aired on CBS Mornings last week, singers from throughout the country have made the trip to Nora.
There was a line out the door of the Nora Store Sunday afternoon.
“I did pray for a nice day in case we’d have to stand outside. Well, here we are,” Pedersen said.
“I am amazed, but I shouldn’t be. It’s just a real special place,” caroler Jill Martens said.
And inside, it was packed to the brim.
Throughout the weekend, people from all over the country have paid the store a visit.
“Oregon, one couple drove up 8 hours from down in Missouri, I think, to come up here just for this,” Pedersen said.
Luke Lyle, who has lived in Nora alongside Pedersen for almost 15 years, helped file people in and out of the store.
“After the CBS story, it was just insane. There was standing room only, and people come an hour to an hour and a half early. Instead of starting at 1:30, we start at 12:30 or sometimes noon,” Lyle said.
For the people waiting in line, it was worth the wait.
“We’re festive people. We love the holidays. We love to be bright and jolly, and so, if we can lend our voices to the choir, we’re happy to do so,” caroler Jessica Borden said.
“It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do, you know, local charm,” Martens said.
“It’s really nice because people are looking for a sense of community and a sense of belonging, and some, for some reason, coming here and singing these songs just gives them a sense of togetherness or a community that they’re not having or not having enough of,” Lyle said.
This is the 35th year that Pedersen has invited people to Nora to sing Christmas carols.
