POLSON – About a dozen artists from all over the area flocked to Main Street Friday night to showcase their work at the annual Polson Art Walk and Parade of Lights being held simultaneously.

Artists representing the culinary, music, textile, dramatic and fine arts fields shared their loves and their works with hundreds of people who arrived in town to help celebrate the official opening of the Christmas season, the arrival of Santa at the end of the Parade of Lights and the illuminating beauty of the Christmas tree standing majestically at the corner of Main Street and Fourth Avenue.

Jackie Cripe, owner of Jackie M’s, said she worked with the Sandpiper Art Gallery and members of the Polson business community to coordinate of this year’s event.

The purpose of the Art Walk is to offer visitors a downtown stroll to visit the shops,” Cripe said.

Friends met to share coffee, families gathered all their children and grandchildren for the event.

Perfectly Imperfect hosted two actors who dressed in old-time clothing and played cards over a barrel. Sandpiper Art Gallery hosted fine artists, a weaver, a crafter and a flute choir. And Jackie M’s showcased a Santa collection for visitors to admire.

The Art Walk is about 10 years old, Cripe said.

“This is our kickoff to the holiday season,” she said. “The whole weekend is an open house. We are thanking the community by having refreshments, entertainment available while they shop.”