Hometown Holidays a success

Downtown Bonners Ferry was bustling with holiday cheer on Dec. 7 as residents gathered for the annual Hometown Holidays festivities.  

The weekend kicked off with Ladies on the Loose starting at 9 a.m. Boundary County women came out to mingle and visit while supporting local businesses and enjoying holiday specials.  

Santa’s Workshop, which was new to this year’s event, began at 2 p.m. Santa’s elves provided family friendly activities, such as story time, face painting, games, and a coloring contest, at local businesses.  

Santa arrived at the Georgia Mae Plaza by fire truck at 4 p.m. Bundled up in winter gear, local youth lined up, anxiously waiting their turn to tell Santa and Mrs. Claus what is on their Christmas list.  

A raffle was also held and with the help of generous donors, had nearly 100 winners and $700 in prizes in gift cards. Participants were able to enter ahead of time and did not need to be present to win.      

“People were so elated when we called to let them know they won. Many were so surprised and it truly brought so much joy,” said Lindsay Sutherland, secretary for the Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce. “Personally, I had a wonderful time making those calls. It truly warmed my heart and made all the hard work worthwhile.” 

Hometown Holidays is organized by the Bonners Ferry Chamber. This year, organizers wanted to expand the event to include more activities for families to take part in and create an even better holiday experience.  

Next year, chamber officials plan to add even more workshops and to repeat the gift card giveaway with a longer entry time. Chamber officials invite feedback from the community at any time via email at info@bonnersferrychamber.org. 

Organizers would like to extend special thanks to all those who contributed in any way to putting the event together.