The Parade of Lights Has Gone Through Many Changes in its 37 Years

The 37th Annual Parade of Lights will take place this Friday. This year's schedule begins with Vendors setting up shop at the Chinook Senior Center as well as the Blaine County Library. Vendors are scheduled to be open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Jean's Bakery Soup and Bake Sale will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 pm an Wallner hall with all proceeds going to the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation.

Santa Claus will make his annual appearance from 1:00 - 5:00 pm at the Blaine County Library. The Silent Auction and Festival of Wreaths will be held at First Bank of Montana from 9 am - 5 pm. The Parade will make its way down Main street at 6:00 pm and the day's activities will conclude with a taco feed at the Chinook Eagles Club. Rad's Deli will also be open until 9:00 pm. The Chinook Area Chamber of Commerce encourages businesses to decorate their store front as there is a Business Decorating contest being held as well.

Through the years the Parade of Lights has gone through numerous changes, adapted to member turnover and shrinking business numbers and even overcame a Pandemic, in the end the Chamber always found a way to hold the event.

Back in 1986 an article in the Chinook Opinion curiously announced a new idea brought forth by the Chinook Area Chamber of Commerce. In a brief statement of just a few paragraphs it was stated that the Chamber is "sponsoring a holiday parade on December 13, but with a little sweetener" It was said that a $250 prize would be awarded to the first place float, $100 for second and $50 for third. Entry would be set a $20 per float. The parade was to take place at 1:30 in the afternoon with winners being announced at 4:30.

The very next year the 1987 schedule included many more events and activities that were set to take place. The Parade was once again held on the second Saturday in December with Prize money remaining the same. The Parade wound its way through town and winners were announce at the MJW Building later in the afternoon. Changes included businesses opening their doors on Saturday. 13 entries took part in the parade with winners being selected by out of town Judges.

New in 1987 was Aerobics that were held at the Senior Center. Rides were offered to those that wanted to attend but couldn't make it to the senior center. Also, the Kitchen Band played throughout the afternoon and a Square Dance was held. Back then it was called the 'Festival of Lights'. Santa and Mrs. Claus also made their first appearance. The night included a Community Sing-along. Numbers were performed by the Bell Choir, the Methodist Church, the LDS Church, Presbyterian Church, Lutheran Church, Chinook High School, Hays/Lodge Pole and Assembly of God Church, community participation was highly encouraged.

Businesses were encouraged to stay open late on specific days to promote shopping locally and the Chinook Opinion sponsored a candy making, cookie decorating and ornament making contest leading up to Christmas. Cash prizes were awarded to the winners and all monies raised were split between the Chinook Senior Center and Nursing Homes in Chinook and Harlem.

In year three the celebration continued to grow while still being held in December. The Parade entries were divided into two groups, commercial and non-commercial with winners of each both receiving prize money although first place was lowered to $200. The sing-along had morphed into a full blown Community Christmas Concert with performers having to reserve their spot in advance.

In 1989 the idea had expanded from a parade on the second Saturday of December to a full blown 12 Days of Christmas Celebration. The parade began in the afternoon and included 13 paid entries along with a seven non-entry entry floats, bands, riders and walkers. According to those in attendance the streets were lined all the way down main street from the pavement to the building walls stating, "I have never seen that many people in Chinook ever before."

The first reference to the Parade of Lights was first found in the 1990 Blaine County Journal and also marked the first time the parade wasn't held in December, instead it was held the Saturday following Thanksgiving and retained several of the same events that had made the Festival of Lights so successful. One big change was the parade was moved to a 6 pm start for the full Parade of Lights effect. 1993 was the first article that reflected the final change of date to the Friday following Thanksgiving as we all know it to be today.

By 1999-2000 the Parade of Lights had maintained a steady but strong turnout each year with a few slight modifications. The now included a Community Tree Lighting Ceremony held at the end of the day and Ken Overcast sang come Christmas classics for all those in attendance. The Stroll as it was being referred to now began at 4 pm.

Winners in 1999 received $50 Chinook Gift Certificates, but there were so many additional contests to enter. Best Business Lighting went to the Blaine County Journal, Best Residential Lighting went to Keough Fournier, All in all it was a huge success.

As it continued to grow the Parade of Lights included Hayrides by Larry and Chad Surber. Craft and Food Vendors could be found up and down the length of the Main street Business district. A Holiday Craft Silent Auction was held at the Chinook Motor Inn with auction items being displayed earlier at local banks in the days leading up to the parade.

In 2011 the Festival of Trees was held in conjunction with the Parade of Lights for the first time. This carried on for many years with proceeds going to various non-profits in the community. A Silent and Live Auction were a major component of the Festival of Trees.

The Pandemic knocked things back, way back, but slowly the Parade of Lights and the Festival Wreaths are building back and with the support of the community Friday will rekindle old memories and bring happiness and joy to all those who venture out to be part of such a wonderful Community gathering.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all our Friends and Families and loyal customers!!