Let there be lights!
<p>The Lamphere family waits aboard the Skyline's float for the Annual Parade of Lights to begin on Friday evening. Center, Malysa Lamphere and three-year-old Allyson Lamphere.</p>
<p>Santa and Mrs. Klaus greet children after the lighting of the tree on Friday night.</p>
<p>Polson's town tree is illuminated in Holiday splendor following Friday's parade.</p>
<p>Avery Taylor enjoys the festivities Friday night on the Community Bank float.</p>
<p>Jodie Walker of the Polson Animal Clinic waits for the parade to begin with her furry friends Ladybug and Bullet.</p>
<p>Girl Scout Troop 3808 participated in the parade on Nov. 30. Left to right, Addison Carlson, Lily Niblack, Ashley Maki, Abby Sorrell and Carrie Sorell.</p>
<p>Skyliners 4 Wheel Drive Club Vice President John Wall decorated his truck before the parade.</p>
POLSON — Twinkling lights lit up Main Street Friday night as trailers filled with holiday cheer passed through the gathering crowd. The Annual Lake County Leader Parade of Lights showcases floats represented by a variety of local businesses and organizations. The parade is followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree and season’s greetings from Santa and Mrs. Klaus.
Girl Scout Troop 3808 took part in the parade for the first time this year.Troop leader Kelly Heiser said, “I think we knocked out a couple badges by participating in the parade.” Troop 3808 won third place for their float, but could not beat out the boys of Cub Scout Troop 4947. The Cub Scouts took first place with their flag march and float with a live burning fire and marshmallow roasting. Second place went to Search and Rescue for their sparkling ATVs.
The winner of the Community Award went to the Polson Fire Department for their Christmas-lit fire trucks. The Kid’s Choice Award went to the Polson Animal Clinic. Members joined in with their furry costumed friends, including Bullet -- a dog decked out in festively lighted reindeer antlers.
“Santa is a great hit!” parade organizer Earl Hanneman of the Lake County Leader said. “Everyone wants to come and see him light the tree.” This was Hanneman’s fifth year organizing the event, “Attendance at the parade was about average this year.” Hanneman said that rain ran away a couple of the floats, but the rain did not deter parade-goers from getting a sneak peek at Santa or joining in a bit of holiday fun.
The Lake County Leader would like to thank Earl Hanneman and Kurt Hannah for their numerous contributions in organizing the event and Gary and Greg from Super 1 Foods for their generous donations of fruit and candy for Santa’s old-fashioned Christmas bags.