PHOTOS: Active Military, Veterans Celebrate Holiday Cheer

This past Sunday about 400-500 active military members, veterans and their families gathered at the to celebrate the upcoming holidays.

The 34th Infantry Division-Army National Guard, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and Rosemount VFW teamed up to provide the holiday party, which included one-on-one time with Santa, face painting, a tasty meal served by members of St. Joseph's Knights of Columbus and lots of visiting and laughter.

"In my opinion, it was a HUGE success and credit must be given to the St. Joseph's Knights of Columbus, The Rosemount VFW men's and women's auxiliaries, Boy Scouts Troop #207, The Rosemount Beyond the Yellow Ribbon volunteers - a shout out to Janine and Sharon -, and the local businesses in Rosemount and Apple Valley who all contributed, [including] Cub Foods, Sam's Club, Starbucks, Caribou, Ace Hardware and many, many more," said Renee Hedstrom, the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon committee member.

She added that she hopes the event will become an annual one.