An old-fashion Christmas festival in Georgetown, Colo., captured Helen Chase’s heart.

The Bonners Ferry resident and downtown business owner, with the help from Friends of Downtown, Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce and North Idaho Tourism Alliance is bringing a similar event to town.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to get the flavor of an old-fashion Christmas,” said Chase, who lived in Colorado for 36 years. “There’s something old about it, instead of the rush-and-crush of what people have made Christmas. Mostly everything is free, and what does have a cost, is very inexpensive.”

Holiday activities being funded with donations from local merchants.

“It was my idea and I’ve gotten support from the Bonners Friends of Downtown and Chamber of Commerce and local citizens that are willing to helping us,” said Chase.

The following events are planned:

Nov. 28: Tree lighting and Santa arrives at 4 p.m.

Dec. 5: Christmas caroling from 3 to 7 p.m. In-store activities include: Under the Sun - Wine tasting; Tucked Away - Holiday facelifts; Callie’s - Kids’ Christmas card projects; Tightwire - cookies and punch; Dollar Store - cookies; Purple Frog Tattoo - temporary tattoos; Farmer’s Insurance - cider; Sugar Plum Floral - open house; Mugsy’s - Santa Clause; Bonners Ferry Candy Creations - pillow painting; Bonners Books - Booking signing by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker; Beyond - face painting.

Dec. 6: Chestnuts will be roasted over a fire pit in Georgia Mae Market Square. The event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will include food and drinks. Live entertainment will be providing by Nancy Meadows, Pat Warkentin and Brother Music. Pictures with Santa will be taken, bring along a pet. Also offered will be free hayrides, Father Christmas walking through the streets and caroling. The outside garden will be open at Mugsy’s with patio heaters. People are asked to bring a toy for Toys for Tots or non-perishable food for the food banks.

Dec. 13: Rex Theater is offering the free movie, Kung Fu Panda, for children at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Children 11 and under will receive free popcorn and pop. Santa will deliver stockings.

Every week until Christmas, participating merchants will be offering $50 Holiday Bucks for visiting one of the stores.

“They have done that for years here in Bonners Ferry,” Chase said.

Every one who sponsors the event will have entry forms at their shop, which can be signed by anyone visiting the store. These names will be put in a weekly drawing. One name is drawn each Friday at every store. An overall weekly winner will be chosen from every store’s winners. That person will receive $50 to spend at participating local downtown merchants.

“This is what Christmas is all about,” Chase continued. “Community, joy, laughter, Christ and lots of shopping.”