And so this is Christmas in Coeur d'Alene

Masher the Potato runs along and high fives the crowd in the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association's Lighting Ceremony Parade on Friday.
BILL BULEY/Press

Ginger Harris drives through the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association's Lighting Ceremony Parade on Friday on Sherman Avenue.

Fireworks fill the sky as part of The Coeur d'Alene Resorts’ 37th annual lighting ceremony on Friday.

Karen Deering, a bus driver with the Coeur d’Alene School District, smiles during the parade on Friday.

The Blazen Divaz perform in Friday's Christmas parade in Coeur d'Alene.

Ashley Langevin holds a candle during the lighting ceremony at The Coeur d'Alene Resort on Friday.

Special Olympians wave to the crowd during the parade Friday.

Spiderman is ready for action during Friday's Christmas parade.

The Lake City High School band performs in the Christmas parade.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office has The Grinch behind bars in the parade.

Santa Claus waves to the crowd as he highlights the parade on Friday.

The Color Guard pauses during Friday's parade as they pass in front of The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

A parade entry wishes everyone a Merry Christmas.

The Coeur d'Alene Dog Fanciers Club join the Christmas parade on Friday.

Miss Idaho USA, Kaitlyn Widmyer of Coeur d’Alene, and parade grand marshal, waves to the crowd.

An inflatable Santa Claus is part of the Christmas parade in Coeur d'Alene.

A light wagon enjoys a special ride in the parade.

Sparky entertains the crowd during Friday's holiday parade.

by BILL BULEY
Staff Writer | November 30, 2024 1:09 AM

As they sat in chairs at First Street and Sherman Avenue, Isaac and MJ Wilkerson weren’t bothered by the chilly 30 degrees, gray skies and icy wind coming off Lake Coeur d’Alene on Friday afternoon.

"I grew up in Minnesota,” MJ said, “so I'm not too worried about it.”

They were well layered with shirts and coats and more than happy to hold on for a few more hours until the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association's Lighting Ceremony Parade got underway.

This has become their tradition. Isaac loves the fireworks and MJ loves the lighting ceremony that follows the parade at The Coeur d’Alene Resort.

“It kicks off Christmas,” Issac Wilkerson said.

“It's fun and it brings the community together,” MJ added.

A crowd estimated at more than 30,000 attended The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association's 32nd annual parade and The Resort's 37th annual lighting ceremony.

Adults and kids lined Sherman Avenue and seemed unphased by the frigid conditions as they cheered for Santa Claus, The Grinch, colorful canines, a long line of lighted, decorated trucks and superheroes in the one-hour parade themed, "A Super Holiday” that kicked off the shopping season.

Costumed characters Masher the Potato played by Cameron Dietz and Sprout the Potato played by Lincoln Dietz were big hits as they ran along offering high fives.

Their creator, author Rhonda Newton of Rathdrum, was delighted as she watched and jogged along with them. The characters are part of a series of children's books and goods by Newton and her daughter-in-law, Renee Newton.

“Awesome. That’s what we were hoping for,” Newton said. “They have a following."

Kyleen Claunts and Blitz, her collie/blue heeler, joined the Coeur d’Alene Dog Fanciers in the parade. Club members and canines wore lights, Christmas sweaters and Santa caps.

It was the second parade for 13-month old Blitz and he enjoyed it.

“We love doing this,” Claunts said. “This is one of our favorite ones to do for the club.”

Karen Deering, a bus driver with the Coeur d’Alene School District, joined colleagues as she wore a costume that was a combination yellow bus and masked superhero.

She said school bus drivers are “unsung heroes.”

“That's a superhero to me,” Deering said.

When Santa finally came along, signaling the parade's end, the crowd made its way to The Coeur d'Alene Resort for the Holiday Light Show, where they sang "Silent Night" while candles glowed, as is tradition.

Brad Hagadone, president of the Hagadone Corp., welcomed the crowd.

He said The Resort holiday celebration has grown from a few hundred lights, a fire truck and carolers in its first year to more than 1.5 million lights and more than 250 displays.

He said the fireworks they were about to watch was their biggest and best show yet.

“We get a lot of joy giving back to this great community we all get to call home,” he said. “You guys are a big part of what makes this place such a great place to live in. We've got a lot to be thankful for."

Jim Brown, master craftsman and designer for Hagadone Marine Group, led the crowd with a rousing countdown to set off a brilliant 1,500-shell fireworks show over Lake Coeur d’Alene.

“The louder we get when we count down, the more Christmas magic we get. The more Christmas magic we get, the more wonderful the lights are,” he yelled. “Can you help me?”

“Yeah,” thousands of young voices shouted back.

Moments later, fireworks filled the sky and the crowd stood wide-eyed. After the last burst, The Resort lights came to life and glowed. The crowd whooped in appreciation.

“We'd like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and cheers to a bright new year,” Hagadone said.