CF Chamber cranks up Fall Decorating Contest

By JOE SOVA

Hungry Horse News

Fall officially arrives this weekend, and one of the trademarks of autumn in the north Flathead is the Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce's 14th annual Fall Decorating Contest.

Columbia Falls businesses are already planning their decorating schemes. Chamber Executive Director Carol Pike said themes can be from harvest to Halloween, anything to do with the fall season.

There is one major change this year as the Chamber will not provide straw bales for those merchants who want to decorate.

"You don't need straw bales to decorate for the fall," Pike said.

Pike said bales were not available to the Chamber this year, but otherwise the contest will go on as in years past.

"It's whatever you feel comfortable doing," Pike said.

Decorations will be judged by a Chamber committee on Oct. 8, and the winner will be announced at the Oct. 9 regular membership meeting.

Information about fall events such as the decorating contest and 10th annual Chamber Rummage Sale in early October was presented during the Chamber meeting on Sept. 11. The 15 new teachers in School District 6 were guests at the meeting and each was introduced.

"Our partnership with the school is important," Pike said outside the meeting.

The Chamber Barbecue and Golf Scramble was held Sept. 9 at the West Glacier Golf Course. Before the drawings for door prizes, Pike and Chamber President Carol Blake recognized the volunteers who contributed to the Chamber's Visitors Center this year. They are Maxine Hoffman, Lulu Rogers, Esther Hutchinson, Ann Mateka, Evelyn Laber, Marion Andrew, Dick Taylor, Jim Marantette, Cal Grise and Kathy Grise and Marlys Kopitzke.

According to Pike, the annual Rummage Sale is the only Chamber fundraiser each year. The event is Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5-6 at the old city hall building, 202 Nucleus Ave. — behind Waterfall Park. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Pike said a number of businesses are donating items for the auction. Plum Creek remodeled their offices and office furniture will be part of the rummage sale. According to Pike, Plum Creek annually gives the Chamber a unit of plywood to offer, by piece, during the sale. That will raise about $500. Pike said Melby's, Glacier Bank, Western Building Supply, Meadow Lake Golf Resort and other businesses are also making donations of merchandise or services.

Anyone who would like to donate items for the rummage sale is urged to call the Chamber office at 892-2072.

Pick-up of larger items can be arranged. No clothing will be accepted, though.

Pike said some of the proceeds from the rummage sale go to the Chamber Foundation. Some of the funds go toward the cost of murals in downtown Columbia Falls. Two of the murals are completed, depicting the early days in the north Flathead. Jane Renfrow heads the heritage committee that handles the murals.

A grant from Plum Creek has helped with mural costs as the Chamber uses money in the Foundation for matching funds.

Other proceeds are earmarked for the children's holiday village in Marantette Park. The exhibition begins in October. The display will include a nativity scene.

"We keep upgrading," Pike said of the village, at an investment of from $500 to $1,000 a year.

Also planned from the proceeds — new tables for the Community Center and money toward a new City of Columbia Falls sign on the way uptown.

When the Oct. 5-6 rummage sale ends, whatever merchandise that is left is packed up by Knights of Columbus members and they will use it for the KOC sale the weekend of Oct. 12-14.

For information about joining the Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce or Chamber activities, call 892-2072.