Holiday Stroll/Tree Lighting moved to first Saturday of December

The date for Havre’s Holiday Tree Lighting, now rebranded as the Holiday Stroll, has been moved from the Saturday after Black Friday to the first Saturday of December, a change Havre Area Chamber of Commerce Director Jessica Fagerbakke says is permanent.

Fagerbakke said the change of date was made for two reasons. The first reason is a practical one, as it is harder to find the necessary volunteers for all the events on a holiday weekend, she said.

The second reason, she said, is because Chinook has their Parade of Lights going on that same day, and the Chamber wants to give people in the community an opportunity to attend both events if they want to.

As for the rebrand to the Holiday Stroll, she said, the Chamber wanted to make it clear that, while the tree lighting is the centerpiece event, there are tons of things that go on that day, and they want to reflect that in the event’s title.

Fagerbakke said one of the new additions this year is a game they’re setting up with participating businesses around the area.

She said people can buy a $2 button with a number on it from the Chamber or one of the participating businesses, then peruse the business looking for the number matching theirs, and if they find it, they win a prize.

Some may be easy to find, she said, some people may have to hunt for.

Fagerbakke said the Chamber is still looking for more businesses interested in participating, and if any want to they should get in touch with the Chamber.

She said the day will be host to a wide variety of events and she hopes people will enjoy it.

See more about the Holiday Stroll and holiday events in the Hometown Christmas special section of the Havre Daily News distributed before Thanksgiving.