Still feeling fed up from this Thanksgiving holiday?
Well, if that’s the case, Anaconda has the perfect recipe to help you shed those extra calories — come, come all Friday for the city’s annual Christmas stroll.
Discover Anaconda tourism director Mary Johnston expects another record turnout, similar to last year.
“People go for a walk in any weather,” she said.
The night begins, as always, at 5:30 p.m. at the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Courthouse with a parade of lights. The parade then continues to Main Street and makes its way to Commercial, on to Hickory and ends at Kennedy Commons where music is provided by The Mauldin Brothers. Shortly thereafter, Santa Claus appears.
The tree lighting ceremony takes place at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Commons, and then jolly old St. Nick proceeds to the Discover Anaconda Visitor Center at 306 E. Park Ave. for free photos. Be sure to bring your camera or cell phone.
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“There’s a magical moment when they light that tree,” Johnston said. “I never tire of it.”
According to Johnston, Elsa, Anna and the hideous snowman, characters from the animated film Frozen, will be walking around all evening.
The tourism director encourages walkers to visit the Grinch, who will be at Donivan’s Restaurant, Pub & Casino, 211 E. Park Ave., or stop and listen to Juniper Creek, a Butte-based band, sing some holiday tunes. Some stores also offer Christmas crafts and cookie decorations.
Shoppers are encouraged to browse the shop windows, many of which feature live mannequins. Participating businesses are open until 8pm and include Anaconda Bicycles, Anaconda Ace Hardware, Beautiful Life Clothing, The Little Things, Hoyal Jewelry, Thrifty Drug, Hardware Hank, 406 Gifts & Shipping, Copperpique, Stokes True Value Hardware, Coffee Corral, Dublin Bay Knitting, Pad-n-Pencil, Sweet Home Montana Gifts, Pintler’s Portal Hostel, 5518 Designs in Anaconda, and Giddy-up Mercantile.
The walk isn’t the only holiday event planned. In the coming days and weeks, Anaconda has a lot more to add to its calendar. They include:
– Saturday, Nov. 26: Small Business Saturday is celebrated. The day recognizes the impact small businesses have on communities across the country, including Anaconda.
– Saturday, Nov. 26: Anaconda’s first annual Vintage Holiday Fair, hosted by Blacksmith Coffee Co., will be held at 113 E. Park Ave from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
– Saturday, Nov. 26: The Anaconda Ensemble Theater’s “A Christmas Carol” will be held on Saturday, Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Revolver, 221 E. Park Ave. Tickets cost $20.
—Thursday, December 1: Copper Village Museum & Art’s annual Ladies Night Out is at 6 p.m. at Anaconda Elks, 223 Main St.; Admission is $10, along with an ornament or gift. Appetizers and wine are included in the ticket price. The fundraiser will include a live auction, raffle and 50/50 tickets.
— Saturday, December 3: The Anaconda Ensemble Theater performs “A Christmas Carol” on Saturday, December 3 at 7:00 p.m. at the Club Moderne, 801 E. Park Ave. Admission tickets are $20.
– Saturday, December 3: Hope Lutheran Church will hold their annual holiday festival from 10 am to 2 pm at 1506 W. Pennsylvania Ave. There will be baked goods, white elephant merchandise, a raffle, crafts and more. A soup and sandwich lunch is served between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. The cost is $9 for adults and $5 for children under 12 years old.
– Sunday, December 4: The Ladies of Hope Lutheran Church host the annual Florence Crittenton/New Hope Pregnancy Baby Shower and Dinner at 2:00 p.m. at 1506 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Participants are asked to bring a potluck meal and an unwrapped baby gift. The baby gifts are divided between the Florence Crittenton Home and the New Hope Pregnancy Center. Details: 406-563-7381.
– Sunday, December 4: Good Neighbor Day celebrations begin with breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at American Legion Hall, Third and Cedar. Sponsored by the American Legion, the cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. An open house will follow at the Discover Anaconda Visitor Center, 306 E. Park Ave. The 2022 Good Neighbor will be honored.
—Saturday, December 10: Pintler Pet’s Annual Holiday Bazaar will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Dwyer Intermediate Gym, 1401 W. Park Ave. instead of.
—Sunday, December 11: Voices of the Pintler perform their annual Christmas concert at 7 p.m. at Anaconda High School’s Little Theater. The public is invited.
—Saturday, January 14: The annual “Festival of the Winter Moon” takes place.