Christmas lighting extravaganza begins Sunday, November 23 in Plains
Jamie Doran<br | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 16 years, 6 months AGO
It doesn't quite feel like Christmas until Mike Hashisaki and his elves get the Sanders County Fairgrounds up and running for their Christmas light show, which kicks off Sunday at 6 p.m.
"We started getting ready at the end of September," Hashisaki said. The last of the lights that were ordered are supposed to be in on Wednesday and although they'll be cutting it close everything should be good to go by Saturday afternoon.
Hashisaki and Kim McNeil, the groundskeeper, have been working hard to prepare.
Hashisaki said that the extravaganza started in 1996 with a few miniature lights and figurines but since then has expanded astronomically.
"It has gotten a little out of hand," he said with a laugh. "We guesstimate that we use well over a million lights."
The event starts Sunday at the Sanders County Fair grounds in the pavilion area. Starting at 6 p.m., people can enjoy free hot chocolate and chili dogs. The public can also enjoy the sounds of the Missoula Youth Orchestra, who will have several members down to perform traditional carols from around 6 p.m. to 6:45.
According to Hashisaki Santa Claus will arrive at 7 p.m. in a horse-drawn surrey provided by Warren Wickum. The festivities will be capped off at 7:15 p.m. with a fireworks display.
MORE IMPORTED STORIES

Fairground light show is back again
Valley Press-Mineral Independent | Updated 15 years, 6 months ago

Christmas starts with a bang at fairgrounds
Valley Press-Mineral Independent | Updated 14 years, 6 months ago

Light show brings Christmas cheer to Plains
Valley Press-Mineral Independent | Updated 15 years, 6 months ago
ARTICLES BY JAMIE DORAN<BR
Unemployment extension may brighten local economy
Unemployment extensions could help local people down on their luck and boost the Sanders County economy.

Hot Springs hosts Homecoming
It was a beautiful Friday for a Hot Springs homecoming. The sun shone, the birds chirped and the young men donned dresses for a beauty pageant. Yes, it was definitely homecoming in Hot Springs.
No child left behind test scores due soon
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) test results are expected any day now and with that comes anticipation as schools in the area wait to see whether or not they have improved from last year and what that means for their students. The school districts announced they expect to receive the results in the next week or so.