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Despite the rain, this year's Christmas on Main Street parade went off without a hitch. The evening started off with hot dogs and hot cocoa that were served and provided by the Men's Prayer Group. Each year, the group turns on the grill to help keep the community warm and well fed while waiting for the parade to start.

Donned with a Santa hat, Bob Brown of Thompson Falls stood ready at the grill to serve Sanders County a quick dinner for the evening. Brown said they served more than 200 hot dogs. "It always depends on the weather with how many hot dogs we hand out," Brown said. "When we run out of what we have, that's when we're done cooking." The state senator said he's been cooking up hot dogs for the event for the last 22 years. "I've only missed two years since I've been doing this," he said.

Leading the parade was Karen Dwyer, this year's grand marshal. Dwyer's many years of health care and community service paved the way for the 2021 nomination. Dwyer was not expecting to receive this year's nomination. "It was a total surprise," she said "I've never been nominated for this before."

Dwyer was dressed in her best Christmas attire and layered with several blankets before heading out on Main Street to toss candy out to the children. Alongside her in the float were several of her elf companions. Cruising along Main, Dwyer's float was sponsored by Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce and Blackfoot Communications.

"She was the perfect fit for the nomination," said Joanne Burk, parade coordinator. "She does so much for this community."

Dwyer was nominated for grand marshal by Jeanette Allday. "Karen has served our community in a variety of ways over the years from her role serving the county in the Public Health Department to her many hours volunteering with the 4-H program, coordinating the Home Ec. department at the county fair, subbing as the administrative assistant in the Extension Office, and on and on," Allday wrote in her nomination. "I have seen Karen act as caregiver for a neighbor during long-term sickness and hospitalization.  She did it quietly with love and compassion and because of her humble nature, I suspect not many people knew of her actions. In fact, I suspect she has done the same countless times for other neighbors and community members, but unbeknownst to me and those around her due to that quiet humility.  This is her way, serving because of her gentle, giving spirit, not to receive accolades or recognition. If you know Karen you know someone who is hard-working, caring, witty, and quite frankly, a breath of fresh air.  Karen is the face of our community motto as she truly is 'Genuine in nature.'"

Other nominations included the Thompson Falls Blue Hawks football team, Bob and Mary Taylor, Carol Brooker, Linda Rocheleau, Rob and Andrea Christensen and Bodie Leaf.

"It was an incredible honor to make the phone call to Karen requesting her acceptance as grand marshal of the 2021 parade," said Ronda Wakefield, Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce president. "Our healthcare workers continue to be at the forefront of the conversation during this very difficult time. It was a nice feeling to be reaching out with such a positive request."

Miriah Kardelis

MANNING THE GRILL - Bob Brown of Thompson Falls said the Men's Prayer Breakfast Group served over 200 hot dogs Saturday evening before the parade.

Thompson Falls High School color guard and National Honor Society led the 36 floats down Main Street this year. "I'm thankful the rain held out during the parade," Burk said. "I felt the turnout was amazing. I was surprised to see how many people there were on Main Street watching."

Every year, floats are entered for the best overall prize. This year, the People's Choice Award went to Pardee Excavating. The Men's Prayer Group donates the cash prize for the People's Choice as well as five additional cash prizes during a random draw.

While the Men's Prayer Group usually donates $100 to each winner, this year, Burk says, with the help of local businesses, the group was able to raise enough money to donate $150 to each winner. "The group raised more than enough money to cover the cost of food, so they were able to up the prizes to $150," Burk said.

The five randomly drawn float winners were Energy Partners, Thompson Falls Family Pharmacy, Whitefish Credit Union, B&C Pilot Car and Alex Austin.