Chinook's Parade of Lights 'chilling' success

Last Friday dawned cold, but clear in downtown Chinook. A little snow on the ground and the low temperatures set the tone for the Annual Parade of Lights, Tree of Lights Live Auction and Christmas Stroll. By early afternoon strollers were checking out the various venues and Christmas carols were playing over a sound system on the main street downtown. Merchants had decorated their storefronts and the city had hung lighted snowflakes and tinsel from utility poles, it looked festive.

Vendors, much to their delight and comfort, set up this year in Wallner Hall. Shoppers were going from booth to booth to do some early holiday shopping. Steven Gores, a composer and pianist from Hinsdale, was providing background music. Shoppers could choose from "in barn monitoring systems for calving season" to "handmade wreaths and holiday decorations". Items for sale were quite varied.

Sled races were held early afternoon on the sloped street between Ham's Storage and the Grande Villa. Chinook Chamber President Heather DePriest said, "The street was snow packed and the sled riders were whipping down the hill. At times steering the sleds was a challenge but the kids had a great time on the hill."

Back at Wells Fargo Bank back on Indiana Street, Santa and his helpers were doing photos to commemorate each kid's Christmas. One of Santa's helpers commented, "We had a great turnout but the photo printing was a bit slow."

Across the street, at the First Bank of Montana, last minute bidding was going on for the trees, baskets and decorations donated by local families, businesses and organizations. One dad, with young baby in arms, was eyeing a Radio Flyer wagon that he thought would be great for walks with the baby come spring.

The Ecumenical Echoes bell choir was putting on a concert, even taking a break to let some audience members try ringing the bells. The Jumping Junipers Garden Club was serving hot cider and cookies. While the bell choir was ringing folks were making last minute silent auction bids on the donated items to be sold. This year's proceeds will help fund the summer Loaves and Fishes (a feeding and learning program for kids) as well as LEAP and JUMP, local youth organizations.

By 4 p.m. the auction items were taken to the Eagles Club for a live auction to follow after the parade set for early evening. Strollers were back on the main street to check out the vendors, local restaurants and just enjoy a stroll. This year the Chamber purchased 10 tower propane heaters. The heaters were a welcome stop as strollers stopped to warm and visit with friends they encountered.

At 6 p.m. the Parade of Lights began approaching downtown from the south on Indiana Street. The parade was a fun mixture of clever floats and lighted vehicles. The "Hoon Squad", riding on a flatbed, gave parade spectators the opportunity to see and applaud the entire Chinook 'Beeter 2015 state champion football team.

The Chinook Pharmacy float had scenes from the holiday classic, "The Christmas Story," complete with Ralphie in his bunny pajamas, the tough guy who was always terrorizing the neighborhood and the guy who had to prove his tongue would stick to a flag pole in the winter. In the movie Ralphie's dad got a "leg lamp" as a sales award and a copy of the lamp was displayed prominently on the float.

Other organizations had entered floats including a monster-sized Radio Flyer wagon, by the 4-H clubs, complete with Santa. The Blaine Cruise had an "electric" car that glowed its way down the street. Kids got very excited when Mr. and Mrs. Clause came riding along atop Chinook's vintage fire truck. Mike and Paulette Keller, who had promised a parade to celebrate their 45th anniversary, did the parade with a load of kids and grandkids. A Santa on a lighted tri-wheeled motorcycle, an elf riding behind, was also a hit with parade watchers.

After the Parade of Lights the action moved to the Eagles Club for a taco dinner and the live auction of the Christmas trees and other holiday items. Before the auction, Heather DePriest explained the live bidding would start with the last bid from the silent auction. She added, "If there are no live bids, the last silent auction bid gets the item." Then Kevin Elias, the auctioneer, began the bidding action and it was lively. The auction site was packed with buyers and spectators enjoying the excitement.

At the end of the day-long event, Chamber officials said they thought the day's events were successful. Chamber President said, "It was really spectacular. We're very happy with the response and the turnout." This was the 30th year for the Parade of Lights and the Christmas Stroll. Five years ago the auction, as a fund-raiser for local charities, began.

The event did not rival the Macy's parade, but it sure was fun. And the best part was reconnecting with friends and family and a chance to get into the Christmas spirit, right here at home.

Parade winners were announced with Chinook Pharmacy taking the first place prize. Second place went to the Valley Clovers Red Rider float and third place went to the Hoon Squad, the Chinook Sugarbeeter's State Championship Football Team.