Christmas on Main Street is just around the corner; and with this year’s theme – I’ll Be Home for Christmas – everyone will want to be home to attend the extensive list of events that the Thompson Falls Main Street Organization and the Chamber of Commerce has planned for the community this year.

Thursday, November 14, the coloring contest starts. For kids up to 12 years old, this event is sponsored by the Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce. You can pick up the coloring page at the Thompson Falls Library, First Security Bank, Valley Bank and Whitefish Credit Union. The coloring page will also be sent home with Thompson Falls students in their Thursday school folders. The coloring pages need to be turned in by noon on Friday, December 6, to any of the locations stated above.

Joanne Burk, chairperson for Christmas on Main and parade coordinator, would like everyone to know about the newest addition to this year’s events. The Holiday Stroll will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, December 5. While downtown stores will stay open later, families will be able to enjoy a number of activities. This will be when you get this year’s scavenger cards, which can be picked up at the library or the Sanders County Ledger. There will be pictures with Santa, children’s crafts, various picture stations, as well as carolers singing everyone’s favorite Christmas songs. This will also be a good opportunity to look at all the Christmas lights throughout the town.

On Saturday, December 7, the day starts off with the annual Christmas Bazaar at the Thompson Falls High School. Get your holiday shopping done locally from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Around 60 vendors will be selling quilts, crochet items, kitchen wares, jewelry and various crafts. Janie McFadgen, lead organizer for the bazaar, stated, “While this is only my third year running this, it’s the 41st year this event has been open to the public. All the proceeds benefit the Sanders County Sheriff Relief Fund. The money helps families with Christmas dinner and toys for the kids.” McFadgen noted that they are still looking for a few more vendors for the bazaar, if anyone is interested. “We are still looking for a club or an organization to help sell food and drinks, and we are also in search of a Santa,” McFadgen continued. For more information on becoming a vendor or volunteering, contact Janie McFadgen at (406) 880-1506.

Continuing Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon, gingerbread entries can be submitted at the Old Jail Museum (109 Main St.). The theme for this year’s gingerbread creation is “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” Also starting at 10 a.m. and running until 6:30 p.m. will be a book and bake sale at the Thompson Falls Library. From noon to 6 p.m. the gingerbread viewing and voting will be held at the Old Jail Museum. This will also be your last chance to drop off completed scavenger hunt cards. Starting at 5:30 p.m., hot dogs, chili, and hot drinks will be served, hosted by the Men’s Prayer Group, in the First Security Bank parking lot on Main Street. This is a free event and open to all.

The Christmas parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. While last year the parade had about 40 entries, there are still open spaces for people who want to be in the parade.

“It’s a great way to get involved in your community, to show participation, and you can advertise your business for free,” Burk stated. Staying alongside of the gingerbread theme of I’ll be Home for Christmas, when looking for inspiration for how to decorate your float, just listen to the song. “I encourage any type of decorating, but I would love for everyone to follow the theme.” Burk continued, “While the parade always ends with Santa, this year it will start with the color guard, followed by the grand marshal, which has yet to be announced.”

This year prizes will be awarded for the following entries: Brightest Entry, Best Costumes and People’s Choice (best overall) for the theme of I’ll Be Home for Christmas. The entry deadline for the parade is 5 p.m. on December 5. Call Burk at First Security Bank at 827-6225 if you would like to participate in the parade.

After the parade (7:30 p.m.) there will be a musical held at the Rex Theatre. Admission is free and the doors open at 7 p.m. The scavenger hunt winners will be announced during the musical.

Winding down on Sunday, December 8, from noon to 3 p.m. is viewing of the gingerbread entries and winners will be announced at the Old Jail Museum. Gingerbread entries can be picked up between 2 and 3 p.m. Sunday.

For more information or questions regarding Christmas on Main, contact Burk at First Security Bank.