POLSON — The 2021 Parade of Lights brought to you by the Polson Business Community is set to happen on Friday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. All floats need to be lined up and ready to go behind Cherry Valley Elementary School by 5 p.m. Trophies and prizes (PBC bucks to spend in our community) will be awarded for Best of Parade, Best Light Display, Most Creative, and Most Humorous. (See page 14 for more information.)

POLSON — The 2021 Parade of Lights brought to you by the Polson Business Community is set to happen on Friday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. All floats need to be lined up and ready to go behind Cherry Valley Elementary School by 5 p.m. It will be the same parade route as years past. Also, just like in years past there is a $20 entry fee which includes one truck and trailer, each additional vehicle is an additional $5 per vehicle. 

Put as many lights as possible on your entries and light up our little town. Trophies and prizes (PBS bucks to spend in our community) will be awarded for Best of Parade, Best Light Display, Most Creative, and Most Humorous.

ST. IGNATIUS —  The town of St. Ignatius will hold their annual Christmas Carnival in St. Ignatius on Saturday, Dec. 4, beginning at 1 p.m. At 5:30 p.m. that same evening there will be a town tree lighting, a parade of lights and caroling. Chili, coffee and hot chocolate will be served and a small raffle will be held. 

This seminar will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. via Zoom and there is no fee.   

Training topics include managing a business, marketing/sales and social media.

Description: Are you confused about all the on-line world of jargon for your website? These might be terms such as: SEO, KPI’s, PPC, and Social Media Engagement, Likes, etc. In this workshop participants will get a brief introduction to the world of online business and marketing. You will gain a basic understanding of why they are important and, more importantly, discover what is not) to the average small business website owner.

Call 406-676-5928 at Lake County Community Development Corporation for more information and/or make a reservation. 

Microsoft Excel is an essential tool for managing your company’s data. An Excel Essential Training Part I course will be taught via Zoom on Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to: enter and modify data in a worksheet; format worksheets; move and copy data; create formulas; work with ranges; navigate the worksheet; use the fill handle; use time-saving keyboard shortcuts. Call 406-676-5928 to reserve a spot or get more information.

POLSON – The regular monthly meeting of the Polson Rural Fire District Board of Trustees will take place Wednesday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m. at the Fairgrounds Station Number 1, 25B Regatta Rd. Agenda available Monday prior to meeting at website: lakemt.gov/prfd.

RONAN — For two weekends, starting on Friday, Dec. 10, and Saturday, Dec. 11, “Lights Under the Big Sky” will provide fun and entertainment for residents of the Mission Valley at the Ronan Fairgrounds from 5-9 p.m. There will be holiday lights displays; family activities and Santa.

POLSON — The annual banquet will be held at the Mission Valley Elks Lodge, 512 Main Street, in Polson. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Make plans now to join the fun Ducks Unlimited event. Your attendance ensures that critical dollars for wetlands conservation will be raised. 

Call Chip at 406-885-6345 to purchase event tickets.

POLSON — Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 409 Fourth Ave. E holds services each Sunday at 10 a.m.

Phone 406-883-5864 for more information.

MISSOULA — The 14th annual Missoula Holiday MADE fair is a modern handcrafted market with over 200 local artists and makers. 

Tickets will be available online and at the door. 

Please bring a non-perishable food item to help support the Missoula Food Bank. Presented by handMADE Montana—recently named Retailer of the Year by the Made in Montana Program.

ST. IGNATIUS — Participating businesses will hand out tickets for purchases. At the end of the business day on Dec. 24, the tickets will be collected and five names will be drawn for prizes. Rod’s Harvest Foods starts off the event with 28.5 ounce hot chocolate mix for $2.25.

ST. IGNATIUS — For day two of the Mission 12 Days of Christmas contest you can receive a bowl of stew, a salad and roll for $8.50. In addition you receive a raffle ticket.

This Excel class will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 15, via Zoom from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. There is no fee. Training topics include accounting/budget. This is an intermediate class for students who have a basic knowledge of Excel. Call 406-676-5928 for more information and to reserve a seat. Only a few spots remain.

ST. IGNATIUS — Purchase a large single topping pizza, small cinnamon stick and breadstick for $20 and receive a raffle ticket for the 12 Days of Christmas contest.

ST. IGNATIUS — Receive a free pop or lemonade with a sandwich purchase at the Maltshop on the fourth day of the Mission contest and receive a raffle ticket as well.

ST. IGNATIUS — The 12 Days of Christmas takes a stop at Gambles where you can receive a raffle ticket with any purchase of 20 percent off gloves or 15 percent off flashlights.

RONAN — On Friday, Dec. 17 and Saturday, Dec. 18, “Lights Under the Big Sky” will provide fun and entertainment for residents of the Mission Valley at the Ronan Fairgrounds from 5-9 p.m. There will be holiday lights displays; family activities and Santa.

RONAN — The Ronan Parade of Lights will go down Main Street, through town, back on Round Butte Road, and then end at “Lights Under the Big Sky” at the fairgrounds on Friday, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m. Candy will only be handed out on Main Street. Please watch children closely. To participate in the parade, please email: secretary@ronanchamber.com for more information.

RONAN — On Friday, Dec. 17, and Saturday, Dec. 18 from 5-8 p.m. St. Paul Lutheran Church, 35681 Terrace Lake Road, will hold a Nativity Open House. At 7 p.m. on Friday night Cathy Gillhouse will provide harp music. The Nativity Open House will also be held on Sunday, Dec. 19 from noon to 2 p.m. This event will include crafts and cookies. 

RONAN — Saturday, Dec. 18, is the final night of “Lights Under the Big Sky.” There will be fun and entertainment at the Ronan Fairgrounds from 5-9 p.m. including: holiday lights displays; family activities and Santa.

RONAN — Saturday, Dec. 18, is the final night of “Lights Under the Big Sky.” There will be fun and entertainment at the Ronan Fairgrounds from 5-9 p.m. including: holiday lights displays; family activities and Santa.

POLSON — Linderman gymnasium is the site for the Mission Valley Elks Lodge 1695 Hoop Shoot-Free Throw contest to be held on Saturday, Dec. 18, at noon. Registration and warm up start at 11:30 a.m. Boys and girls ages 8-13 (as of April 1, 2022) from Ronan, Polson and surrounding areas are invited. Categories include: 8-9 year old boys, 8-9 year old girls, 10-11 year old boys and 10-11 year old girls, 12-13 year old boys and 12-13 year old girls. There is no admission or participation charges. Winners of each age group advance to the District Contest on Jan. 15, 2022. Each contestant and their families will be served free chili and hotdogs. Contact David Rensvold at 406-250-0771 for more information.

ST. IGNATIUS — Purchase Old Wisconsin Jerky Cheese Combo for $1.99 and receive a raffle ticket along with a chance to win a Collectible Tin at Cenex.

RONAN —On Saturday, Dec. 18, beginning at 5 p.m. St. Paul Lutheran Church, at 35681 Terrace Lake Road, will hold a Nativity Open House including over 35 Nativites. This event will include children’s Christmas crafts and refreshments.

ST. IGNATIUS — Saturday, Dec. 18, is the date for judging the top three house decorations for St. Ignatius residents. Sign up at Valley Bank.

RONAN — On Sunday, Dec. 19, noon- 2 p.m. St. Paul Lutheran Church, 35681 Terrace Lake Road, will hold a Nativity Open House with over 35 Nativities. This event will include children’s Christmas crafts and refreshments.

ST. IGNATIUS — A purchase of candy (with a 10 percent discount) will also gain you a raffle ticket for the 12 Days of Christmas contest.

ST. IGNATIUS — On day eight of the 12 Days of Christmans Valley Bank is offering a free gift.

ST. IGNATIUS — Purchase Old Wisconsin Jerky Cheese Combo for $1.99 and receive a raffle ticket along with a chance to win a Collectible Tin at Cenex.

RONAN — The Flathead Irrigation District’s monthly meeting will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 1  p.m. Please use the back door at Lake County Extension Office, 303 Third Ave. NW, Ronan.  

ST. IGNATIUS — Purchase a single-flavor $2 latte and receive a 12 Days of Christmas raffle ticket.

ST. IGNATIUS — Napa is giving away a free pen light along with a raffle ticket when you make a purchase.

ST. IGNATIUS — Receive a free hot chocolate and a raffle ticket at Old Timers Café.

ST. IGNATIUS — Receive a free hot chocolate and a raffle ticket at Old Timers Café.

POLSON — Polson Community Church, 1814 First Street E, will feature Scriptures and carols at their Christmas Eve Service, which will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24. The public is invited. .

FLATHEAD RESERVATION — Registration for the boys youth basketball 2022 season is open and closes on Jan. 4, 2022. Sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club, boys in the third through sixth grade are invited to participate. Practices and games will be held at different gymnasiums in Polson, Ronan, Arlee, Charlo and St. Ignatius. Practices begin on Jan. 4 and games start on Jan. 15. Early-bird registration is $25 until Dec. 25 after which registration is $30. Go to: flatheadbgcsports.com to register and for more information.

FLATHEAD RESERVATION — Registration for the boys youth basketball 2022 season is open and closes on Jan. 4, 2022. Sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club, boys in the third through sixth grade are invited to participate. Practices and games will be held at different gymnasiums in Polson, Ronan, Arlee, Charlo and St. Ignatius. Practices begin on Jan. 4 and games start on Jan. 15. Early-bird registration is $25 until Dec. 25 after which registration is $30. Go to: flatheadbgcsports.com to register and for more information.