Once again a mighty force of Elves gathered to decorate the Bigfork Village. Ever since that day years ago when Frank Crain, Edd Blackler and Don Thomson decided that our beautiful little village could use some holiday sprucing up, the energy and enthusiasm for this project has grown into a wonderful tradition.

This year marked a transition for the Elf Force, when Doug Averill took over the leadership role in organizing the event. After last year's decorating was completed the original Generals decided that it was time to pass the baton of leadership on to new hands. The Bigfork Development Company took on the sponsorship role and Doug graciously came forward to provide the necessary organizational leadership.

The Bigfork Elf Class of 2000

Veteran volunteer Lee Winters, works on the steel bridge over the Swan river with Elf General Edd Blackler.

This year for the first time, the newly remodeled Lake Hills Shopping Center, now called the Old Town Center, became a part of the Elf decorating plan. Now our village is more beautiful than ever and the spectacular display of lights and decorations is really something to behold.

The volunteer spirit that has grown and nurtured this event is a vital part of what makes our community so special. Bigfork is an unincorporated village with no organized government beyond the the county commissioners. When something needs to be done, its volunteers that make it happen. The Elf Force is a classic example of this phenomenon. Although this project never had a commercial goal, the decorating of the village has produced many positive results for the business community.

Recognizing the importance of this event was the key to the orderly transition of the leadership. Everyone realized that it was important to keep the Elf Force strong and growing. All of us who live here have come to cherish and look forward to the decorating.

Elf General Don Thomson waves hello to Journal publisher Jan Krause during the decorating of the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.

Volunteer of all ages work together to decorate the buildings.

It was a cold day, but the hard working elves got the job done in short order.

Twin Birch Square is magically transformed into a decorated delight for the eyes. We encourage everyone in the Flathead Valley to visit Bigfork and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Needless to say, the lights at night are spectacular. In this picture, Bjorges Gallery is stunning and the Community tree which stands between the Gallery and the Bigfork Inn is as beautiful as ever.