POST FALLS — It was a dazzlingly festive sight as lights twinkled, ornaments glittered and an abundance of goodies were tucked under creatively decorated tiny trees beckoning for bids.

"I'm really looking at the gnomes, I think the gnome one is awesome," Post Falls resident Esther Delcomte said Saturday morning while browsing the displays at the eighth annual Post Fallidays Tiny Tree Festival at Prairie Falls Golf Club.

The fairy light-illuminated "Gnome for the Holidays" tree, decorated and sponsored by Knudtsen Chevrolet, was bedecked with gnome-stuffed stockings, gnome garland, a gnome lighted sign, games, cocoa and other surprises.

This was about the fifth year Delcomte attended Post Fallidays, an event she said has a great ambiance and environment, as well as a fun atmosphere for a friendly bidding competition. She said she won centerpieces and two tiny trees in the past, which she then gifted to her neighbors.

"I just like how people come in and they give back to the community," Delcomte said. "I think that's awesome."

Up for grabs this year were 21 trees and centerpieces, all decorated by local community leaders, nonprofits and businesses.

Among them, a metal tree made by students at the Kootenai Technical Education Campus, Triple Play's "Snow Much Fun!" tree accompanied by a decorative wagon and overnight stay package and Northwest Specialty Hospital's "It's Time for Dinner, Dessert and A Movie!" tree, complete with popcorn and gift cards for a night on the town.

Noelle Simon of Post Falls has helped decorate trees in the past, but this was her first year attending.

"I think it's cool," she said with a smile.

The 2023 event was sold out and the best attended to date, with 172 tickets sold. Guests placed bids on trees, participated in raffles and enjoyed a mimosa brunch.

"The tiny tree festival supports programs that our chamber of commerce does to support our businesses in our community, so that's where the funds are going to go today from this event," Post Falls Chamber President and CEO Christina Petit announced, adding a big "thank you" to the event sponsors and all who attended.

2023 Post Fallidays Tiny Tree Festival winners:

• Best centerpiece: Mountain West Bank

• Most traditional: Panhandle Carpet One

• People's choice: Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty

• Most creative: Post Falls School District/KTEC

• Judge's choice: Idaho Central Credit Union

• Rookie of the Year: Human Rights Education Institute

• Police vs. fire: Kootenai County Fire and Rescue won the annual tree contest against Post Falls Police Department.

    Noelle Simon of Post Falls walks by a uniquely fabricated metal tree made by Kootenai Technical Education Campus students Saturday morning at the Post Falls Chamber's Post Fallidays Tiny Tree Festival. This year's sold-out event was the best attended since it began eight years ago.
  

    Post Falls Chamber President and CEO Christina Petit shares welcoming words Saturday morning during the Post Fallidays Tiny Tree Festival.