Chinook kicks off Christmas today

The streets will be filled with holiday cheer today when Chinook holds its annual Christmas Stroll/Parade of Lights/Festival of Trees.

Indiana Street will be closed to traffic from 1 to 6 p.m. as people visit local businesses, partake in Christmas-themed activities and enjoy the holiday fare.

The Festival of Trees viewing will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First Bank of Montana, 337 Indiana St.

Horse-drawn wagons will offer people rides through the city from 1 to 3 p.m. People will have the chance to start on their shopping from 1 to 6 p.m. at the craft and vendor sale at Wallner Hall behind the Methodist Church, 337 Ohio St.

People strolling the streets can also stop in at the Blaine County Museum and the Blaine County Wildlife Museum from 1 to 6 p.m. Fees for visitors to the Wildlife Museum will be discounted.

Children will have the chance to pose for pictures with Santa Claus from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Chinook Chamber of Commerce office at 313 Indiana St. A flyer posted on the Chamber’s Facebook page says canned goods will be accepted for the local food pantry.

A taco dinner will be served at the Chinook Eagle’s Club, 305 Indiana St. from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Parade of Lights will start at 6 p.m. on Indiana Street.

The festivities will conclude at 7 p.m. with the Festival of Trees Live Auction at the Chinook Eagles Club. Proceeds from this year’s Festival of Trees will go toward funding construction of the new indoor arena at the Blaine County Fairgrounds.

Wreaths and smaller baskets will be sold in a silent auction and trees and larger baskets in a live auction.