Thank you to all the Elves.

Decorating Bigfork in celebration of Christmas exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and the special people of our community. It is their effort that ensures the success of various projects each year. Over the years Decorating Day has grown and become a fun, festive, and wonderful social interaction for all ages. Thank you to all who participated.

For some, the effort goes on all year. Thank you to those who untangled lights and replaced bulbs. We really appreciate your assistance since we no longer have Ray Schletz, Retired Chief Bulb Turner to care for our lights. Thank you to Martha Groenke and her squadron of bow makers who prepare for Decorating Day well in advance. Thank you to the dozens of volunteers who spent a day thinning overgrown forests and collecting over 500 evergreens.

The Masons provided a hearty chili lunch and the Lady Lions served the 200 plus volunteer Elves. Thank you to David May for providing the warm atmosphere of the Bigfork Inn, Mister and his staff at the Garden Bar for providing chili and beer for the Un-decorating crew and to Bruce Solberg of the Bigfork Chamber for coordinating and distributing roping and greenery to each of the businesses to be ready for Decorating Day.

Over 30 flight leaders commit to taking responsibility for overseeing each sector of the village and offering Elf assistance. The flight leaders are an essential part of the process. The Elves look forward to seeing all the business owners who missed the decorating or un-decorating to be there in jolly form next season. If you would like to volunteer as a flight leader call Deb at 837-4391.

Un-decorating Day was a cold one but we had an incredible turn out. Thanks to everyone who helped and a special thanks to Mary and Billy Knowle, Tony Sagami and the students who helped pick up trees that will be recycled to help fight erosion on the north shore of Flathead Lake.

It was a pleasure for Deb Navratil and myself and the Flathead Lake Lodge staff to organize the efforts.

Thank you to all the Elves.

Doug Averill

Secretary of Decorating