Rathdrum starts holiday season with D’Lights
RATHDRUM – Rathdrum will light up for the holidays with the excitement of a small-town Christmas Dec. 1 during the annual December D’Lights Winter Festival and Lighted Rig Parade, sponsored by the Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerse. Each year city employees prepare for the community celebration, dressing with thousands of lights City Park, the towering Community Christmas Tree, the trees lining Main Street and other trees around town.
Festivities at City Park will include a merry backdrop of seasonal music performed by local children and musicians, holiday activities and games and a visit from Santa. Hot food and beverages will be available at the park’s new pavilion, and warming fires will help keep fingers toasty for those waiting to get their picture taken with Santa or to see the Community Christmas Tree light up at dusk.
Just after dark, Santa will top off the day of winter fun by grabbing his bag of goodies and leading the Lighted Rig Parade throughout the town. The parade gets bigger every year and the chamber welcomes anyone interested in decorating their “rig” to join in the fun.
To add to the enjoyment of December D’Lights this year, the chamber is sponsoring a Light Up Your Business Contest. They’re asking participating businesses to get their decorations up early – and for area residents to check out the lights, and then let the chamber know who they think should win the contest. Call or e-mail the chamber with your favorites no later than Dec. 6.
Participating businesses include: Twin Lakes Realty, Adept Business Services, Main Image Studios, Pleasant Land Books and Espresso, Real Team Realty, The Rathdrum Star, Salon TLC and Co., Prairie Children’s Center, Perfection Tire, Nick and Willy’s Pizza, Brugge Salon and Spa, Premier Floors, Steins IGA, Movie Gallery, Curves and Panhandle State Bank.
December D’Lights Winter Festival takes place at Rathdrum’s City Park from 2 p.m. until dark on Dec. 1. Those bringing a can of food for the Rathdrum Food Bank will save $1 off their picture with Santa. Contact the Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce for more information on the festival, the Lighted Rig Parade or the Light Up Your Business Contest at 687-2866.