As I’m writing this, the first, large, daytime snowflakes are falling outside the Beacon office. Which makes sense for two reasons: 1) It’s December and 2) Santa Claus is coming to town!
Well, not this town (Kalispell), but the big guy will be making an appearance in Columbia Falls Friday and Saturday to help kick off the holiday festivities. This weekend marks the annual Night of Lights celebration in the Falls, a party Barry Conger at the First Best Place Task Force calls “the greatest parade in the Valley.”
Here’s the schedule of festivities:
December 4th – Night of Lights Celebration
Craft Fair at Discovery Square starting at 5 p.m., parade begins with Community Tree Lighting at Discovery Square at 6:30 p.m. The parade theme is the Glacier Park Centennial, so look for 1910 themed floats and costumes, and a special visit from Billy the Glacier Park Mountain Goat. Santa will come to the Square after the parade to meet with children. Businesses all along Nucleus open late and many offering treats and specials.
December 5th – Brunch with Santa 9am to Noon
Santa returns to Discovery Square for a fun brunch celebration with Rotary. Food, music, fun, and a free photo with Santa. $10 for adults, kids 12 and under free with adult. Tickets include brunch, free photos with Santa, amazing silent auction, live music, and more more more. Tickets can be purchased at Freedom Bank, Glacier Bank & Parkside Credit Union, from any Columbia Falls Rotarian, or by contacting Ron Nash at 249-1445.
Also, remember the Kalispell Art Walk and Holiday Stroll takes place on Friday as well, so it could be a nice opportunity to spread holiday tidings all over the valley. The Beacon office will be open during the Holiday Stroll from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., so wander in and say hi!