The last day of 2023 is made for love

1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 ... those numbers aren’t waltz step counts, they represent a really unique date that’s coming up on the last day of this year: Dec. 31, 2023, or 12/31/23.

The folks at Coeur d’Alene’s iconic Hitching Post Wedding Chapel, across from the courthouse, say they have openings on New Year’s Eve day for couples to tie the knot on a date that will be easy to remember. It’s also a guarantee that there will always be fireworks on your wedding anniversary.

Planning to pop the question on Christmas? How about a one-week engagement before taking your vows? It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Call 208-664-5510.

I’ll look forward to hearing who walks down the aisle on the last day of 2023.

• • •

The Main Street Thanksgiving Black Olives on Fingers Challenge 2023 winner is Larry Riley of St. Vincent de Paul fame. He sent me a photo of his olive-clad fingers after reading last week’s Main Street column where I granted everyone, young and old, permission to jump on the black olive bandwagon. Anyone who makes me laugh out loud wins!

• • •

Coeur d’Alene’s day-after-Thanksgiving parade and Coeur d’Alene Resort Christmas lighting is always spectacular, drawing thousands for the holiday kick-off. This year my favorite pilot, LaDonna Beaumont, who’s watched the parade, lighting and fireworks show for many years from the ground took to the clear evening skies. LaDonna and her friend, Karl Atkinson literally had a bird’s eye view from the cockpit of her plane. Said LaDonna, “What a stunning experience! I couldn’t have wished for better weather, entertainment or company.”

• • •

This weekend local communities will be turning on the Christmas lights in fabulous fashion. First up is the Post Falls WinterFest and Plaza Market on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at City Hall. Santa’s ETA is 6:15 p.m.

Hayden Chamber’s Third Annual Outdoor European Christmas Market on Friday (4 to 8 p.m.) and Saturday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) in McIntire Family Park. On Saturday, the Christmas Lights parade starts at 5 p.m. on Government Way, with tree lighting at the park immediately following.

Post Falls Chamber’s Tiny Tree Festival at Prairie Falls Golf Course, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Rathdrum’s lighted vehicle parade is Saturday at 6 p.m. on their historic Main Street. Bayview’s Community Holiday Lighting Festival is Saturday at 5:30 p.m. on their lakeside Main Street.

• • •

Postscript: An often copied quote, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind,” is so very true. This time of year can be exceptionally challenging for so many for hundreds of reasons.

The best gift you can give is a smile to a stranger and extending a bit of grace to those who might need a little bit of Christmas hope. Be kind. Always.

• • •

Happy Birthday today to Carol Ann Eachon and Jodine Spry. Tomorrow, Kevin Ekness, Larry Quimby, Carol Kreighbaum, Raine Solberg, Carolyn Walker, Shirley Thagard, Kevin Krieg and Cindy Scinto take another trip around the sun on the last day of the month. The first day of December, Chris Pappas, Marge Chadderdon, Jay Bremner, Emily Castle and Connie Price jingle the bells. On Saturday, Brandi Hague-Little, Lois Holom and Wally Adams mark their special day. On Sunday, Joyce Ekness, Carol Fairhurst, Sandra King, Brittany Teverbaugh, Norbert Vedder and Jennifer Keefe open their presents. Tina McWhorter, Bayley Brooks, Dirk Fredekind, Doug Shevalier and Barry Corigilano celebrate Monday. Jennifer McGrath, Sharlene Scott, Marna Bateman and Annette Barstow were born Dec. 5.

• • •

Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press. Kerri can be reached at mainstreet@cdapress.com.