Night of Lights coming Friday

It's been a town tradition for more than two decades, and it's always a special evening to kick off the Christmas season. And this year there is something new and exciting.

The 23rd annual Night of Lights unfolds Friday in Columbia Falls, featuring the popular Night of Lights parade down Nucleus Avenue. Line-up begins at 5 p.m. at the north end of Nucleus, and judging begins about 5:30 p.m. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Parade entrants are reminded they must have a signed entry form. They're available at NAPA Auto Parts, Glacier Bank, The Moving Image Health and Fitness Center and Dr. Roger Newman's dental office.

Karl Skindingsrude of Special K Productions will again host the parade in front of Glacier Discovery Square with his music and special blend of fun and information.

New this year — lighting of Columbia Falls' official Christmas Tree at Discovery Square, which was planted shortly before the arrival of the Capitol Christmas Tree on Nov. 5. The lighting of the Columbia Falls tree is set for 6:25 p.m., just before the parade begins.

Santa Claus arrives at the conclusion of the parade, accompanied by Mrs. Claus. They will meet and greet children at the North Valley Hospital Community Center, next to The Moving Image on Nucleus Avenue. It's an opportunity to photograph your kids sitting on Santa's lap.

Also during the Night of Lights, the delightful display of characters and holiday scenes in the Children's Holiday Village at Marantette Park will be lit for the first time this season. The lights will go on every evening thereafter through the holiday season.

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church presents a live nativity scene at the south end of Smith's Food and Drug parking lot on Nucleus Avenue.

Going on during Night of Lights is the holiday craft fair, which begins at 4 p.m. Friday. This year, the craft fair will be located at Discovery Square. After closing around 8 p.m. for the rest of the evening, the craft fair re-opens on Saturday and will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Square.

During Night of Lights, many uptown businesses — and some on U.S. Highway 2 — will be open, and some will be offering treats for parade-goers. Among those is Montana Coffee Traders, with their First Friday dinner and music. There will also be food and beverage vendors at Discovery Square.

For more information about Night of Lights activities, contact Mary Hilton at 892-5000 or Peggy Newman at 892-3113.