'Tis the season in Polson

Polson celebrates the holiday season with Parade of Lights and Artwalk

The streets of Polson were abuzz last Friday night for the Annual Lake County Leader Parade of Lights, tree lighting and Artwalk.

The Polson Police Department led the Parade of Lights, which took off from Linderman and zigzagged its way through town to Main Street before turning south and ending at the big tree next to the Polson Theater. The Great Scots Pipes and Drums followed the PPD, with both Polson and Finley Point fire engines at their heels. According to event organizer Earl Hanneman, of the Lake County Leader, eight floats entered this year’s parade, which is about the same number that entered last year.

While parade goers and participants didn’t have to brave temperatures quite as cold as they did in 2009, there was a real danger of slipping on the icy streets and Hanneman said he heard of two such incidents taking place Friday evening. The town was fortunate to have Santa and Mrs. Claus available for this year’s Christmas events. Old Saint Nick even lit the Christmas tree before pausing for photographs while his elves handed out bags of treats for the children. The Great Scots and Anderson Broadcasting played festive tunes for everyone to enjoy. Glacier Bank provided complementary hot cider and cookies, as well.

The evening was a true community event, as store owners stuck around for a few extra hours so that parade-goers could warm up inside while waiting for the parade to begin. Shoppers could stop into Page By Page Books for snacks or a warm drink and to visit with local jewelry-maker Jan Brooks who was there displaying her works.

“I was very pleased with it, with the nice weather and the parade people really seemed to be having a good time,” Marilyn Maier, owner of Page by Page Books, said.

“We truly appreciate everyone who took the time out on a Friday night to watch and participate in the parade,” Hanneman said. “There was a lot going on in town Friday night and it was still a great turnout.”