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The unofficial launch of the holiday season got underway in Great Falls on Friday evening as people flocked to the annual Christmas Stroll.

The event gives folks a chance to check out some of the downtown stores and eateries, sample some street vendor fare, enjoy holiday music, and - no surprise - brave some chilly temperatures.

Getting it all started was the Parade of Lights; Park Place Health Center was voted best out of the more than 20 entries.

Other winners included Foothills Community Christian School for the musical float, and Carnahan's Towing had the best use of lights.

One of the favorite events is the Polar Bear Plunge; this year, a record 180 plungers took part in the event, jumping into an icy pool in order to raise money via pledges for Special Olympics Montana.

The KRTV Super Plungers - Heath Heggem, Ashley Korslien, Greg Smith, and Erika Epple - braved the chilly dip and gathered nearly $1,600 in pledges.

A hearty "thank you" to everyone who donated on behalf of Team KRTV!