Lights, music — time to build a float

In keeping with Borderland tradition, main street in International Falls will be the scene of twinkling lights parading down main street and a host of other holiday features and events on the evening following Thanksgiving.
The International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents and businesses in the community to create holiday floats to show off in the “’Twas the Lights Before Christmas Parade” which begins at 7 p.m. on Friday.
“This is such a magical evening and lots of floats just make it that much more magical,” said Betsy Jensen, chamber president.
Floats will be judged on lighting, loud music, originality and effort. Prizes for the winners are as follows: first place, $150; second place, $75; third place, $50.
“An Old Time Christmas Shopping Experience” is being promoted with all-day specials at local retailers and most will be open until 7 p.m. People are also encouraged to register from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at 18 participating businesses in the area for chances to win many $25 gift certificates as well as three $100 Chamber Dollar certificates. There will be Christmas music downtown during this period by John Streiff’s “King of the Road Entertainment.”
Mann’s Horse-drawn Wagon Rides through the downtown will also be available from 4 to 7 p.m.
Drawings for the gift certificates will be held during a Smokey Bear Park celebration following the parade at 8 p.m. Registrants must be present to win.
And plenty of family entertainment is planned in the park where there will be visits with Santa, dog sled rides by Jamie Nelson, hot chocolate, cookies, and Christmas caroling as well as the lighting of Christmas trees. Lights will be turned-on to decorate two trees near the statue of Smokey Bear as well as every tree on both sides of the boulevard along the park.
A change in the parade lineup this year will be that Jamie Nelson who escorts Santa Claus to Borderland with her team of sled dogs will be at the beginning of the parade, instead of at the end. “This is much easier on the dogs,” said Jensen, who added that Nelson’s dogs are raring to go and would better lead the parade than end it.
The route of the parade starts in front of the chamber office, travels down Third Street and turns off at the Forestland Service Station.
Those interested in entering a float should call the Chamber Office at 283-9400 or stop by to pick up an entry form, Jensen said. Ice shanties, decorated ATVs and dressed-up walkers are also encouraged.
“The chamber is very excited, and urges everyone to enter a float for the festivities,” said Jensen. “All of the community is invited to come downtown and get involved.”
The chamber requests that there be no other appearances of traditional-type Santas, which confuses young children who will see Santa on the dog sled in the parade.
There will be a Falls Good Samaritan Chili Social at the National Guard Recruitment Center Office from 4 to 7 p.m. also on Friday.
At noon on Saturday, Nov. 29, free movies with Santa are offered at Cine 5. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.