Polson's downtown lights up for the season

Polson Christmas 2011

by Ali Bronsdon
| December 10, 2011 12:30 PM

Polson Christmas 2011

POLSON — There was no shortage of holiday cheer in Polson last Friday night for the Annual Lake County Leader Parade of Lights, tree lighting and Sandpiper Artwalk.

The Polson Police Department led the Parade of Lights, which took off from Linderman and made its way 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 filled with middle school carolers at their heels.

According to event organizer Earl Hanneman, of the Lake County Leader, 11 entries, many with numerous floats, entered this year’s parade.

“This was the best turnout in the last few years,” Hanneman said. “The weather was right, it was cold, but not too cold and not icy.”

Mike and Debbie Kelsh won first place for their pony and sleigh entry in the parade, followed by The Junior Girl Scouts in second and Polson Animal Clinic in third.

After the parade, Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves used their holiday magic to light the city’s Christmas tree and more than 250 children were given bags of treats before crowds dispersed and downtown shopping ramped up.

Lighting the big tree is an exciting moment every year, but not too long ago, the tree was in desperate need of an upgrade. In October 2000, Polson business owner and current Polson Chamber of Commerce President Jackie Cripe sent out a plea to raise funds for new lights and electrical work on the big tree.

Just one month later, she had raised $3,000 and purchased four strings of lights, each 250 feet long and with a light per every 12 inches. The lights were hung by the fire department and the Polson Business Association.

“It all was paid for by the community,” Cripe said. “This is such a wonderful community to live in — This community always gives and I’m proud to be a part of that.”

Polson’s business community benefited from the busy streets following the event.

“A lot of people did their shopping after the parade,” Cripe said. “They didn’t want to carry things, then they got cold and the stores were warm. There were some businesses still open after 8 p.m.”

Living Windows is another great eventthat will take place this Friday night. Boy and girl scouts, as well as Polson’s speech, drama and debate students will be participating, as well as any shop that wishes to decorate its windows with live manikins.

“We started out working with the historical museum to have historic windows and it really came into life with our 100-year celebration of Polson,” Cripe said. “It’s really caught on. I think people like to come down and see everyone dressed up in the shop windows.”