Elks brighten TF Main Street

"It was something in the community that needed done, so we did it," could be the motto of the Benevolent Order of the Elks in Thompson Falls, but it is actually a quote from one of its officers regarding the lodge's latest effort.

Guy Engebretson was employed with the power company when he first moved to the area in 1982. At that time, employees from the utility would put up the Christmas decorations on the street lights on Main Street in Thompson Falls. "The city already had those decorations when I arrived, so who knows how old they were," said Engebretson, "but I got to looking at them and saw how worn out they were getting – not to mention the outdated lights on them." He then took an idea to the lodge to find funding and refurbish the old decorations. "The lodge was pretty excited about the project. If it helps the community and it is feasible, the lodge wants to do it," explained Engebretson.

Over the years he watched as the decorations went up shortly before Thanksgiving, "It seemed like just after they'd get them up a bunch of lights would burn out and there would be little piles on the sidewalk below as the deteriorating garland would begin to shed in the weather," he shared. The project volunteers looked into purchasing brand new decorations, but were surprised at how expensive commercial grade Christmas décor was. However, they determined the old ornaments could be repaired, replacing old lights with more energy efficient LEDs.

Working with the power company and the City of Thompson Falls, the Elks team first received a start-up grant from the Montana Elks Association. Additional grants came in from NorthWestern Energy and Blackfoot Telephone, with a substantial donation from Hecla Mining. Private donations from a past Elks officer and an anonymous local citizen allowed completion of the community project.

When replacement parts arrived, the Elks held a two-day work party to disassemble, re-fit, re-assemble the 12 strings of ornaments, which were hung by the power company on November 14.