Parade lights up Thompson Falls

"This was, by far, the best parade I've been a part of," said Joanne Burk, who just completed her ninth year as the Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce's parade organizer at First Security Bank. "Everyone really went all out in decorating their floats. Their effort was evident," she added.

Burk had a goal after last year to boost the number of entries for this year. Last week, Burk reported 21 total entries – down ten entries from the previous year. On parade day, Saturday, 31 entries were prepared to greet crowds along Main Street. "Thompson Falls Rural Fire Department jumped in with extra vehicles to lengthen the parade – so we at least had the same amount of float entries as last year," shared Burk.

As per tradition, awards were given to entries in various categories with winners being voted on by members of the community. People's Choice Award was bestowed on an antique tractor, decorated with lights, and spinning circles on Main Street while waiting for the parade to keep moving. Allen Ramer's break-dancing tractor garnered the most votes for the choice of the people.

Best Costume Award went to the First Baptist Church entry, whose participants dressed in Victorian-era garb reminiscent of the class tale, "A Christmas Carol." The crushed velvet dresses and tight-fit bonnets matched their float's décor.

And the award for Brightest Float was given to Pardee Excavating. Pardee's float boasted a hefty pickup pulling an even heftier trailer bedecked with an impressive amount of Christmas lights and blaring music of Christmas cheer. The Pardee Excavating float earned the title of Brightest Float with over 6,000 Christmas lights strung around the entry.

In order to garner support for the event and raise excitement for those who enter, the Men's Prayer Breakfast gave away four $100 checks. This is the third year the prayer group has given the checks away to participants in thanks for involvement in the community events. Recipients were chosen in a random drawing, and checks were given to: Pampered Chef float entry by Danielle Wood; Brynn Kenyon's young ladies on the Dance Xplosion float; the Disabled American Veterans (DAV); Whitefish Credit Union, and Thompson Falls Rural Fire Department. "We appreciate the support for the parade from the Men's Prayer Breakfast," said Burk, "for years they've served up hot chocolate and chili dogs for free to the community. Their generosity really adds to the Christmas on Main Street experience."