Multiple events make for a busy weekend

This weekend in Libby will be a festival of holiday events, coordinated by both the city and St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.

The weekend kicks off the first communitywide Christmas Parade beginning at 5 p.m. Friday. The parade will begin at the Libby Care Center and will end at the Memorial Center where children may visit Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

The parade will stop to participate in a short Christmas story read aloud and a choir of children will sing carols. There is no charge or applications to enter the parade. All participants are asked to lineup at the Care Center at 4:30 p.m. The Community Parade is asking merchants on Mineral to remain open during the parade.

For more information call Roxanne or Lisa at 293-4622; Star at 291-4731, or Allen and Clarise at 293-3525.

Later Friday, the 17th Annual St. John’s Lutheran Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees begins and continues Saturday evening with the Gala.

The Festival of Trees, which is held at the Libby Memorial Center, is an enchanting exhibit of beautiful holiday trees, hand-decorated and displayed by local merchants and organizations demonstrating their zeal for the holidays, as well as their commitment to family and community. 

 “In the spirit of giving and holiday traditions, there is no admission charge to the Friday night Festivities,” said KC Hoyer, Foundation Director at St. John’s. 

“The Community Night is a wonderful way to share the magic of the holidays with your family in the warmth of the Memorial Center surrounded by fun activities and dazzling trees.

   “The kids can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the entire family can enjoy the decorated trees, train displays, cookie decorating, ornament making, and the famous SJLH Auxiliary Annual Christmas Bake Sale.  What fun times to share with your children,” Hoyer said.  

Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with their Elves, with assistance by the Kootenai Karacters, will delight the children and help make exciting holiday memories for the entire family.

  A professional photographer will be on hand to capture the moment, but families should feel free to bring their own cameras.  Santa and his Elves will be granting holiday wishes from 5 to 8 p.m. 

“This is truly a community evening,” said Hoyer.   “We are teaming up with Kootenai Karacters, Kiwanis, Lincoln County Libraries, Don’s Depot, and the St. John’s SOS Committee to make the wait for Santa fun for the kids and a bit less stressful for the parents.   We are encouraging everyone to help out the Kiwanis Koats for Kids Program by bringing coats, hats, and/or boots for children.  This isn’t mandatory, but the Kiwanis will surely appreciate any extra help that they can get for the kids.”

On Saturday, it’s time to slip into your finery.  Saturday evening the Festival is transformed in to a shimmering Holiday Fundraising Gala celebration, a one-of-a-kind in our area.  Join in the fun as our communities’ merry-make the night away at the most celebrated Holiday Gala in the county. 

Persons may dance to the music of Bryan Lloyd while they take in the shimmering trees and excitement of the auction and raffles.  Mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres, incredible music, and the enchanting ambiance make this the most anticipated, and romantic evening  of the season. 

“Our communities really look forward to this holiday tradition, because there is something for everyone to enjoy.   Once again, the live auction has some real surprises, and tickets are flying out the door,” added Hoyer.  “It is such an exciting, elegant, and entertaining way to raise money for our new building project.”  The doors open at 6:00pm, with dancing till midnight. 

Tickets for the event are sold out.

For more information, contact Hoyer at 283-7140.