The Hometown Holiday Weekend in International Falls, Nov. 23 and 24, will include the traditional parade of lights, Santa Claus in Borderland, all-new events and old-fashioned wagon rides downtown.

The festivities are added to a weekend of retail specials to kick off holiday shopping at home. 

The community is invited to an all-new gathering in the late afternoon on the Nov. 23 parade day, which aims to draw children and their families together earlier, according to Faye Whitbeck, president of the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

Added to local store specials and drawings Nov. 24 is a festival at Backus.

Amid shopping around Borderland, a community gathering inside a barricaded area downtown will begin at about 3:30 p.m. Nov. 23. The space encloses the city’s new Centennial Park off main street and a portion of Third Avenue to include the vacant lot across from Border Boxes and the park. 

From 4-5 p.m. in this area, an all-new Cutest Holiday Pet Contest is a chance to festively dress pets for all to enjoy, with the cutest-costumed pet awarded $25 in Chamber Dollars. Contestants should watch for advertised details. 

Area goats and ponies are also invited to gather for the enjoyment of children in Centennial Park. Debuted last year, the multiple fire-pits, treats, hot chocolate and caroling plus the traditional old-fashioned wagon rides will return for this afternoon gathering.

All this precedes the 7 p.m. ’Twas the Lights Before Christmas parade which is another chance to showcase dressed-up pets.

Last year’s newly introduced parade route, which integrated three blocks of Fourth Street with a section of Third Street, was received well by the community, Whitbeck said. She noted the rectangle promenade will again start on Fourth Street near Falls Lumber. The parade will head west on Fourth Street up to Sixth Avenue where it will travel north to Third Street or a right turn; and head east as far as the Chamber to disperse left and right on Second Avenue.

Float building and entries for the parade are encouraged. Business and family floats, musical groups, vehicles, animals and walkers will be welcomed to participate right up until the parade begins to gather at 6 p.m. along Second Avenue south of Falls Lumber. Parade registration forms, available by calling the Chamber, 283-9400; or emailing chamber@intlfalls.org, must be completed and provided to the Chamber. 

Any theme may be used in the entries which will be judged primarily by the use of lights, music and craftsmanship. 

“But the real goal is to have fun and include children in the magic,” said Whitbeck. 

The Chamber is encouraging musical groups to sing or play in the parade. Those planning to distribute candy to youngsters are urged to have parade-walkers assigned for this task.

Increased prizes for float entries in first, second and third place are $300, $200 and $100 respectively.

The Elks Lodge will again offer a sloppy joe feed, open to the public, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 23; and Santa will be available for photo opportunities from 5-6:30 p.m. Following the parade, the Elks will provide live music by Patty O-Porter beginning at 7:30 p.m.

New on Saturday this year is the Backus Community Center Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival includes a silent auction with gift baskets, and lunch from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Keeping shoppers in town on this particular weekend is economically vital, Whitbeck noted. To that end, all participating retailers will each offer two $25 gift certificates in their store, and the Chamber will provide a grand prize of $300 in Chamber Dollars. As shopping continues Saturday, Nov. 24, kids are invited to see complimentary movies, sponsored by the Rotary Club, at Cine 5 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Doors open at 11 a.m.

 

Schedule of Events

 

Friday, Nov. 23

9 a.m.-7 p.m. — Special sales and gift certificate registrations all over town

3:15 p.m. — Fort Frances Choraliers on Third Street

3:30-6:30 p.m. — Community gathering in Centennial Park on Third Street. Gathering will include fire pits, caroling, treats, pet contest and old-fashioned wagon rides 

4-5 p.m. — Cutest Holiday Pet Contest

5-6:30 p.m. — Pictures with Santa at the Elks Lodge

5:30 p.m. — Sloppy joe feed at the Elks Lodge

6-6:30 p.m. — Line-up for holiday parade

7 p.m. — ’Twas the Lights Before Christmas Parade 

7:30 p.m. — Live music with Patty O’Porter at the Elks Lodge

 

Saturday, Nov. 24

9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Special sales and gift certificate registrations all over town

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Backus Community Center Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival

11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Lunch at Backus

11:30 a.m. — Free movies for kids at Cine 5