Parade of Lights coming to Chinook Nov. 28

The 29th Annual Parade of Lights and 4th Annual Festival of Trees in Chinook will be putting people in the holiday spirit Nov. 28.

“The parade of lights has been such a huge thing in Chinook for so many years,” said Heather DePriest, the president of the Chinook Area Chamber of Commerce.

From 8 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., people are invited to go the First Bank of Montana’s lobby for a silent auction for the Festival of Trees. People bring in trees or wreaths to sell in the silent auction and will often have themes. Toy trees, dog-themed trees, Sugarbeeter trees and coffee trees have be some of the past themes.

“It’s kind of neat to see what people come up with the trees,” DePreist said.

Funds raised through the Festival of Trees will go to the Chinook Chamber of Commerce, who will then give it to one to three organizations of their choosing.

This year, the Chamber is donating the money to My Neighbor In Need, which helps those who are in a time of need in their lives, and Community Chest, which helps out organizations like the Boy and Girl Scouts of America.

Bidding for the Festival of Trees closes at 5:45 p.m. before the parade starts at 6.

People will be able to walk the streets to various vendors from 1 to 7 p.m. The vendors will be posted in the Chinook Eagles Bank Building, the Pastime Lounge and the Blaine County Library Meeting Room.

The Blaine County and Wildlife museums will also be open from 1 to 6 p.m. Tickets to the Wildlife Museum at $6 for adults and $4 for students and admission to the Blaine County Museum is free of charge.

From 2 to 4 p.m., Santa Claus will be at Wells Fargo to take photos.

To sign up for the parade, it costs $10 for the chance to win the $300, $200 and $100 prizes.

There are no themes for the parade.

“We just let everybody use their creativity,” DePriest said.

The usual parade participants of the police, fireman and colorguard are expected along with the colorful creations of those who wish to take part in the festivities. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be riding along with the parade.

DePriest said the festivities are very well-attended and are only beat out by the Sugarbeet Festival. A lot of people are in town who would not normally be in town due to the holidays, and it creates a jovial air.

Anyone interested in being a vendor, participating in the parade, or just want more information, can visit http://www.chinookmontana.com.