The Village undergoes its annual transformation

By FAITH MOLDAN - Bigfork Eagle

First-time Bigfork elves and veteran decoraters alike came out in droves Saturday morning to don the Village's Christmas attire.

Led by a handful of Generals and their respective flight leaders, the elves strung lights and garland all over downtown Bigfork and added red bows to trees that line Electric Avenue and Grand Avenue. Cub and Boy Scouts, Bigfork High School honors students and Interact members represented just a few of the groups that helped make up the more than 100 volunteers.

This year's decorating, as with every year, began the week prior to decorating day. More than 70 people gathered trees and checked light bulbs Nov. 8 in preparation of the big day. The trees that are cut down not only to adorn the streets of Bigfork but also helps the forest by keeping the larger, healthier trees there while thinning out the smaller ones.

Started years ago by Edd Blackler, Don Thompson and Frank Crane, the decorating runs smoothly thanks to its military organization. Any elf serving for 20 years or more ranks as a general. First-year elves rank as privates and second-year elves become captains, according to Secretary of Decorating Doug Averill. Averill also said that this year was the best representation of youth that the elves had seen in years.

Among the youth was 20-month old and three-year veteran Avery Passons.

"Her first year was her warmest," her mother said.

Bow Folks lead the way in bow tieing, while the BHS woodshop and art classes lent their skills to cutting out and painting new Santas that hang on either side of the one-lane bridge. The Bigfork Masons, Lady Lions and Sun Mountain Pizza provided food and refreshments for the hardworking elves, as did the Beverage Babes.

Karen Harrison, an eight-year elf, said she began decorating many years ago after she moved to Bigfork. Pat Jones wasn't sure if he was on his 10th or 11th year, but said he was "looking for 20."