On December 12, 2022,  Mayor Hunstiger presented the City's Extra Mile Award to Andy and Crystal Behrendt and their children. The Behrendt family provides a lighted display that comes alive every evening during the holiday season. In addition to providing a very animated light display, the Behrendt family also has a mailbox for letters to the North Pole. The sign on the mailbox promises a reply for every letter. Mayor Hunstiger noted that the Benrendt home has become a fun attraction for those wanting to embrace the holiday cheer. Mayor Hunstiger thanked the Behrendt family for keeping the spirit of the season alive in Sauk Rapids.

The Extra Mile Award was created to recognize community members/students who are doing great things and making a difference in the City of Sauk Rapids.  If you know a resident who is deserving of the Extra Mile Award, please contact Mayor Hunstiger at khunstiger@ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us or Dana Furman at (320) 258-5303. Recipients of the Extra Mile Award are recognized at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting by the Mayor and the rest of the members of the Sauk Rapids City Council.