Salvation Army Kicks Off Bell Ringing at Bentleyville
The Red Kettle Karnival opened the Salvation Army's holiday bell ringing season at Bentleyville in Duluth, Minnesota.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Salvation Army held its Red Kettle Karnival at Bentleyville in Duluth, Minnesota, after the event was rained out the prior week. Hundreds of people attended the event, which marks the official start of the organization's bell ringing season.
Why it matters
The Karnival is the Salvation Army's biggest event of the year and launches the volunteer fundraising effort that runs through the holiday season. Its timing ahead of Bentleyville's public opening ties the charity drive to one of the region's most visited seasonal attractions.
Volunteers spent 106 hours bell ringing across the Twin Ports last year, a figure the Salvation Army has not compared against prior seasons. The Karnival's fundraising total and attendance count were not disclosed.
The players
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international Christian charity known for its red kettle donation campaigns and holiday bell ringing fundraising across the United States.
Bentleyville
Bentleyville is a large annual holiday light display in Duluth, Minnesota, known for its illuminated tree and seasonal attractions.
The details
Attendees who donated an unwrapped toy or nonperishable food item were allowed to tour the inside of Bentleyville's 128-foot tree, which is open to the public only during this event. Bentleyville had rescheduled the Karnival twice this year after earlier cancellations.
Timeline
Last week: the original Red Kettle Karnival was rained out.
Nov. 12, 2026: the rescheduled Red Kettle Karnival was held at Bentleyville.
Season Trajectory
The Karnival opens the current season of the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign, which has run for decades as its primary holiday fundraising effort. Its placement at Bentleyville ties the charity's bell ringing drive to a seasonal attraction that draws large regional crowds.
Residents who want to take part can donate an unwrapped toy or nonperishable food item to enter Bentleyville's tree during the event window. Bell ringing volunteers across the Twin Ports continue collecting donations through the holiday season.
The takeaway
Small, in-person donations of toys or food at a seasonal event can directly feed the community's holiday assistance efforts. Checking the Salvation Army's schedule for kettle locations is a simple way to give locally this season.
What happens next
Santa Claus is expected to arrive by helicopter at 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, the first official night of Bentleyville's season.
Further reading
For more on local giving efforts, explore Philanthropy coverage across the region.
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