by Justin Harris

Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce met Thursday with plenty on the agenda in the upcoming month. By far the busiest day on their calendar will be Christmas on Main Street, which always falls on the first weekend of December. This year, the bulk of events will fall on Saturday, December 2.

Getting a jump start on the festivities is the Thompson Falls Public Library, which will hold a ‘Better Book Sale and Holiday Cookie Sale.’ The sale begins Thursday, November 30 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The event will continue Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until the parade is over. The fundraiser will raise money to benefit the library’s efforts, including kids’ story time, activities and upkeep. Hard back books will be on sale for $2, and $1 for paperback books.

The Sanders County Christmas Bazaar returns with its original name. Janie McFadgen has taken the reigns as organizer, inviting vendors to reserve their space. The bazaar will take place at Thompson Falls High School gymnasium from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Door prizes, refreshments and pictures with Santa will be available throughout the day, as well as a chance to get some Christmas gift shopping done locally, while putting some extra cash in the pockets of local artists and craftspeople. For more information call McFadgen at 826-4759.

Undoubtedly, the most anticipated event of the day is the Christmas Parade on Main Street that begins 6:30 p.m. The procession plays to the throngs of attendees lining the street to admire the lighted floats and catch candy from those in the parade. Joanne Burk at First Security Bank is, again, organizing that show and seeking new and repeat float entries. Applications can be picked up at the bank or by calling Joanne at 827-6225. Entry deadline is 5 p.m., Thursday, November 30. Prizes will be awarded in categories like ‘brightest entry,’ ‘best costumes,’ and ‘best overall.’ This year’s theme is “Gingerbread Jubilee.”

The parade is preceded by free chili dogs and hot chocolate at the square next to Realty Northwest. The Men’s Prayer Breakfast serves up the free refreshments every year, thanks to donations from the community.

Once again, the chamber will give away hundreds of dollars in ‘chamber bucks,’ local currency that can be spent at any participating chamber affiliated business. The chance to win is in the form of a scavenger hunt/bingo game that will have players visiting local establishments to acquire a stamp to blackout the squares on their card that feature the names of businesses. Winners will be announced at Christmas Music at the Rex following the Christmas Parade on Main Street.

Those who have entries for the Gingerbread Contest must have their creations to the Old Jail Museum between 10 a.m. and noon that morning so that visitors can view the tasty structures and vote for their favorites (with winners vying for cash prizes in various categories). Entries must be picked up following the parade. The museum will be open without an entry fee as a gift to the community. For more information about the contest, call 827-4699.

To end the day of cheer, attendees of the parade will come in from the cold to find seats in the Rex Theatre for the annual Christmas Music on Main Street performances. Many of the familiar acts from years past were not available this year, but the lineup of local musicians scheduled for the evening promise to entertain. The show, now in its eighth consecutive year, features music by local talent. The goal, according to originator Jan Manning, is to put people in the Christmas spirit by bringing them together to enjoy old familiar seasonal carols as well as some contemporary tunes.

“Many of us have childhood memories of Christmas that revolve around certain songs,” Manning said. “The music of the season is every bit as sensory as eating those special cookies and seeing the lights and garlands. Hopefully the Rex music show will help create some special childhood memories for younger members in the audience.

Featured performers this year will include Justin Harris and Fire Creek Band, vocalists Susie Bryan and Mary Jane McCoy, and other “surprise” guests. The show is free to the public. It will begin as soon as the Main Street parade has finished, or about 7 p.m.