Holiday Happenings in the Mission Valley
Members of the Mission Valley Choral Society warmed a chilly evening with Christmas carols last Saturday night as families gathered near the courthouse for the illumination of the town tree. The community choir is warming up for concerts Dec. 17 in St. Ignatius and Dec. 18 in Polson. (Kristi Niemeyer/Lake County Leader)
Duke Otherwise entertains for the next installment of Mission Valley Live!
The St. Ignatius Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Christmas Carnival at 2 p.m. Dec 3 at the high school. Santa and the Grinch will make an appearance, and cake walks, games, face painting and crafts for the kids are on tap. The Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting begin at 5:30 p.m. and include prizes for the top three floats and a raffle drawing.
The Port Polson Players, in association with Mission Valley Friends of the Arts, present the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning classic, “The Diary of Anne Frank,” at Polson’s Theatre on the Lake. Curtain time is 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 2-11. For tickets, call 406-883-9212 or visit portpolsonplayers.com.
The Polson Parade of Lights rolls down Main Street at 6 p.m. Dec. 2, with Santa joining the procession. After-hours shopping, music, hot chocolate and concessions are also on tap during this festive introduction to the holiday season, hosted by the Polson Business Community.
Mission Valley Live! brings Duke Otherwise and his “Ebeneezer” Duke Show to the Polson High School at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2. The playful wordsmith from Madison, Wisc., is a spirited performer, a skilled guitarist and captivating tap-dancer. Using his distinct baritone, he sings hilarious and imaginative songs that all ages will enjoy. The show includes "Ebeneezer" Duke – a 45-minute re-telling of "A Christmas Carol" told through original songs, storytelling/acting, dance, and audience participation. Visit missionvalleylive.com for more information.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church hosts its sixth annual Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 3 at the church, 409 4th Ave. E. in Polson. Browse local crafts and enjoy baked goodies from the Grab ‘n Go Treats Cafe (406-883-5864).
Ronan’s Parade of Lights begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 behind St. Luke Hospital, winds down Main Street, and returns via Round Butte Rd., delivering Santa just in time for opening night of Lights Under the Big Sky at the fairgrounds. The festival is open 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through Dec. 19, and offers a Kids’ Zone, Christmas Market with local art and crafts, live music in the community center and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Head to bigskylights.org for details.
The Mission Valley 4-H Holiday Bazaar fills the St. Ignatius High School Gym with crafts, baked goods, and gift items, including jewelry, clothing and candles from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 11.
The Lake Funeral Home in Polson is hosting a Memorial Candle Lighting Ceremony at 2 p.m. Dec. 11 for those who have lost family members and friends. All are welcome. For more information, call 406-883-2808.
Mission Valley Choral Society is performing two free Christmas Concerts: 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at the St. Ignatius Mission and 1 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Ronan Performing Arts Center. The choir, under the direction of Chris Bumgarner, sings Vivaldi’s Gloria and a selection of traditional carols. Call 406-871-2798 for details.
