Village readies for Valentine's Day

Letter from the editor

If you didn't know what holiday was approaching, it's pretty clear once you drive downtown in Bigfork.

The Village is decked out for Valentine's Day with large metal hearts trimmed with red and white lights created by students at Bigfork High School.

That soon won't be all. Locals plan to have hundreds of red balloons available through the weekend and free carriage rides downtown.

Individual shops are also in the process of getting in the spirit with decorations and elaborate planning for the big day — this Sunday, Feb. 14.

Many shops plan to extend their hours to be open until 7 p.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday in the Village with specials and refreshments available. Many restaurants that are usually closed Sundays will be open.

But it's not the hearts, balloons or even the specials that will really bring people to Bigfork this Valentine's Day, though they may draw their attention.

With two performances completely sold out, hundreds of people will be paying a visit to the Village this weekend to see tribute artist Ryan Pelton take on the persona of the legendary King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley (See page A1).

Of course, business owners are hoping this visit will lead to an extended stay in Bigfork that includes an afternoon on the town, dinner and perhaps an overnight stay since some people have the following day, Presidents' Day, off.

This is because they're crossing their fingers that the holiday will bring a boost to the Bigfork economy during it's usual slow season.

Maybe it won't be quite like summer or even Christmas in Bigfork, but, if the sold out shows are any indication, it has the potential to be the next best thing.

-Jasmine Linabary