montanaliving

Last night was the Great Falls Christmas Stroll.  For those of you who DO NOT live in a small American town, this usually involves closing off Main Street, or another main throughfare through town, a parade with a Santa, and the “official” lighting of the city’s main Christmas tree.  Many local businesses stay open late to cater to the throngs of townfolk that join in the celebrations.  I guess you could call it a street fair.  I had never been to the Great Falls stroll, and from what I heard, it was much better this year as the city decided to have it in the evening instead of during “normal” business hours on a Saturday.  For the past 10 years I have been going to the East Helena Christmas Stroll, and the Helena Parade of Lights since I was living and working in that area.  Both of those have been in the evenings, and personally, I think that adds to the celebritory feeling. 

The East Helena stroll encompasses the entire Main Street…. ok, it is only about 10 blocks long, but 80% of the businesses participate, and the houses on Main have nice displays that add to the party feeling.  The park is taken over by non-profits trying to earn money with games for the kids, the local ice skating area (nothing big or fancy) is prepared for skaters– if it has been cold enough, and the old elementary school is opened for the local crafters to sell their goods, while the local kids of all ages do practiced holiday performances in the gym.  There is a local farmer who offers hay rides from one end of town to the other, cookies and small holiday favors are given out at most of the businesses, while the local cafe’ (Smith’s Place) and bars have specials on hot drinks.  Some talented high schoolers sing carols or play instruments in small groups for tips.  It is a very good time for everyone of all ages.  I was sorry to have missed it this year.

The Helena Christmas Stroll and Parade of Lights is traditionally on the Friday after Thanksgiving.  It is held in what is called the Walking Mall, which is the downtown area of Last Chance Gulch (Main Street) that has been closed to vehicles for many years.  It is festive, with street vendors out, businesses open, craft shows in some of the empty storefronts, and art shows of all types in some of the other empty businesses.  The local ballet company performs for the passersby, doing performances from Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and usually a few comedy type routines.  In another window, the local belly dancers put on a show.  Luminaries light the sidewalks, and music plays from speakers or travelling minstrals (probably the same high school entreprenures that play at the East Helena Stroll).  The evening is completed with the parade with a Santa, local pets draped in Christmas attire or lights, and a few local celebrities.  The parade ends at the local park where the mayor (or other noted townsperson) hands out prizes and announces raffle winners.  Santa leads a few carols, then the historic landmark, The Firetower, is lit up with holiday lights.  It’s more commercial than the East Helena Stroll, but it is still fun to go to.  Yeah, I missed it this year, too.

Having missed ALL of the festivities that I traditionally attend, I made it a point to stay in Great Falls for their Christmas Stroll.  The parade was larger than the Helena parade, but strangely quiet.  There were no bands, no carolers, and only one or two blareing holiday tunes from car stereos.  It was sureal.  I have never seen a quiet parade before.  Many businesses were open late, which was nice because I usually am not downtown when they are open.  There were quite a few food vendors, too, but the whole experience didn’t come close to matching the holiday spirit of the the other towns.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS