Ronan celebrates with holiday events and parade of lights

RONAN – A full slate of events last Saturday prepared Ronan residents for the Christmas holidays. Beginning with the final Chamber Christmas drawings, including the drawing for the 1967 Ford Mustang, and continuing with the Parade of Lights, an auction, a pancake dinner and boys and girls basketball games, locals were running around enjoying the various events that provided some Christmas spirit.

Cold, snowy weather didn’t prevent people from coming to Community Bank to see who won the 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe, with raised proceeds benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation. Close to 2,000 raffle tickets were sold leading up to the event, Club executive director John Schnase said, a bit down for last year’s raffle but still impressive. The machine has a 351 Windsor V8 engine and an automatic transmission, he said. The winner was Tammy Hayrynen, who hails from a town north of Seattle, Wash. Hayrynen’s mother lives in Polson, he said.

“We really appreciate everyone participating,” Schnase said. “Anytime we can have that much excitement and draw that much attention to the Club, it’s just good for the kids. All the money raised is spent to directly benefit the kids.”

Schnase said he planned on holding a similar raffle next year after two successful car raffle events so far.

After the drawing, attendees moved over to Main Street for Ronan’s holiday “Parade of Lights.” Ronan parks director Jennifer Rolfsness said the parade was run in conjunction with the Ronan Chamber’s final drawing, and that the event drew eight floats. Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with their elves, participated in the parade and then held court for youngsters requesting gifts near the park after the event.

“The weather was great, we had a little snow, it was very seasonal,” Rolfsness said. “It was nice to have the folks who put the time and effort into their floats to come out. It wasn’t a huge turnout but it was fun for those who showed up.”

The Ronan Senior Center held a Saturday evening pancake supper, complete with sausage, bacon and coffee.

Laurel Cheff said the event raised nearly $1,000 to help save the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana.

Then it was on to the basketball court, where the Maidens fell in their game but the Chiefs took down Lake County rival Mission.

The city of Ronan made sure there was plenty to do as the town is officially ready for this weekend’s Christmas holiday.