Evergreen is once again back on top as the winner of the annual Salvation Army red-kettle community challenge. Led by the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce, bell ringers positioned outside Super1 Foods in Evergreen raised $4,450.28 during the eight-hour competition on Thursday. That’s substantially more than last year’s Evergreen total of $2,523.03.

After a yearslong duel between Evergreen and Columbia Falls — Columbia Falls won in 2016 and 2017 and Evergreen took the title in 2017 and 2019 — Bigfork emerged in second place this year with $3,967.13 in its red kettle set up at Harvest Foods. Last year Bigfork raised $1,219.86.

It was a big win all around for the Salvation Army, which uses the money for its programs to help those in need. The total for Thursday’s effort was $12,339.13, compared to last year’s total of $7,369.

Other participants and their fundraising totals were Columbia Falls in third place with $2,920.81; Whitefish with $687.97, and Lakeside with $412.94.

“The Salvation Army wants to thank everyone who came out and made a great showing for your communities while greatly helping to further the work of the Salvation Army in the Flathead,” said Peggy Lundin, administrative assistant for the Salvation Army Kalispell Corps. “We are blessed to be involved in these communities that make such efforts, not only in the city-wide competition but throughout the whole kettle season as well as the entire year. Many groups within your cities such as banks, Realtors, service organizations, churches, school and other youth groups as well as many individuals and families have been a huge part of our Red Kettle Campaign this year and in past years.”