Rathdrum rolls out holiday cheer

RATHDRUM — Crowds circled the fire pits just outside Rathdrum City Hall on Saturday and marveled as a giant tree overlooking downtown was lit for the first time this year.

“It looks even better with all that snow, doesn’t it?” said Rathdrum Mayor Vic Holmes.

Families braved the 13 degree weather to gather on Main Street, not just to watch the lights from the tree fill the sky, but also to watch the lighted vehicle parade that followed.

“I just wanted to be here to be happy,” said Anne Wylie.

Wylie, a local resident, came with her niece and a friend to enjoy the parade.

“I want to see Santa Claus!” shouted Lillyana Benson, one of Wylie’s friends.

Packed with parents, students, teachers and friends, while Santa Claus waved from a chimney perched on the roof, the Lakeland School bus won Best Truck or Semi for the parade tour.

“It’s the whole Christmas spirit spread through the community,” said Amy Horton.

Horton joined her daughter, Mary Horton, who attends Lakeland Middle School, and her mother, Nanny Horton, on the Lakeland School bus for the parade.

“I’ve never been in a parade before,” said Nanny. “Heck, I’ve never been on a school bus before.”

The Bombshell Offroad group also came with a crowd.

“I just kinda started hanging out with these girls, in the off-roading group,” said Crystal Lee, who says she went all out decorating her truck with a Grinch theme. “We try to do little events with the community. It’s a good way to meet like minded people from the community who share interests.”

The parade wasn’t the only place the Grinch was sighted. Earlier, during the tree lighting, the Grinch tried to sour the evening.

“I ask all the kids to keep an eye out for the Grinch,” said Holmes to children in the front row. “We’ve had problems with that guy.”

Despite the warning, the children missed the monstrous green furry Grinch sneaking from city hall as he dashed the lights and the tree went dark.

But luckily, little Cindy Lou Who was there to save the day.

“What’s your name?” asked Holmes.

After some prodding, the small girl agreed with the mayor that she was indeed Cindy Lou Who.

Cindy Lou then relit the tree for a second time this year, prompted by a countdown from the audience, and peace was restored to downtown when Santa joined and saved the day.

The Grinch and Santa stood for photos with children in front of the lighted tree before the parade drove up main street, and following the parade were horse-drawn carriage rides through town.

The long route for lighted vehicles continued throughout Rathdrum. Anyone unable to enjoy the parade on Main Street could still catch a glimpse of it lighting up the streets of the city.