GREAT FALLS — The Good Wood Guys in Great Falls are hosting a "Sandpaper Social" on Saturday, November 30th.
They are just one of dozens of Great Falls shops that are participating in "Small Business Saturday," a national movement started in 2010 to encourage people to shop from locally-owned retailers in their community. Many shops in Great Falls will be offering discounts and specials.
The Good Wood Guys will have several events for people of all ages, including a chance for kids to build a wooden car with Santa Claus, a sawmill demonstration, and free hot cocoa and cookies.
It's also a drop-off location for Toys For Tots donations.
The Good Wood Guys is located at 816 20th Street North; for more information, or to RSVP for the car-building session (to ensure they have enough), call 406-231-WOOD, or click here to visit their Facebook page.
Also on Saturday will be the annual Parade of Lights in downtown Great Falls beginning at 6 p.m. The parade will start on Central Avenue at 6th Street and then head toward the Civic Center, where Santa Claus will light the official city Christmas tree.
The Great Falls Police Department said in a Facebook post: We are excited to lead the parade with a Cascade County Sheriff/Coroner's Office deputy, and a Montana Highway Patrol trooper. It should be especially beautiful with the snow and cold air. We hope to see you all Destination Downtown Great Falls tomorrow night to officially kick off the holiday season. 🚓🎅🦌🎄⛄️
The annual Christmas Stroll in downtown Great Falls will be on Friday, December 6th, from 5 pm to 9 pm. This year’s theme is “Holly Jolly Christmas." The event takes place along Central Avenue and features craft and music vendors and music, and many downtown shops stay open for the event.
The Downtown Great Falls Association still needs volunteers to help with the stroll - click here if you would like to help .
People can buy Christmas Stroll buttons for $5 each and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win prizes.
A press release from the DGFA says that Stroll buttons can be found at the following locations: Belle's & Lace Bridal, Candy Masterpiece, Blue Rose, City Bar, Dragonfly Dry Goods, Feather Your Nest, First Interstate Bank - Downtown location only, Downtown Association, Kaufman's, Mighty Mo Brew Pub., Motifs, MT Mosaics, My Viola, Pizazz, 5th & Wine, Gallery 16.
Prizes donated from: Belles & Lace Bridal, Blue Rose, Brush Crazy, Candy Masterpiece, City Bar, Downtown Great Falls Association, Dragonfly Dry Goods, Easter Seals-Goodwill, Ferrin’s Furniture, First Interstate Bank, In Cahoot's for Tea, Kaufman’s Menswear, Klover, Mighty Mo Brewing Co., Mind Body Yoga, Great Falls Voyagers, Pizazz, Sora & Co., State Farm (Pam Alfred), US Bank.
This year's grand prize will be a Downtown Staycation package which includes: 1 night stay at The Hotel Arvon, Gift Certificate to 5th & Wine, Lunch for 2 at the Block, a Gift Card to Elevation 3330, Truffles from Candy Masterpiece, an arrangement from Feather Your Nest.
Prize winners will be drawn on December 10th and notified that week.
