COEUR d’ALENE — As far as Rick Powers is concerned, the holiday season begins with The Coeur d’Alene Resort’s annual lighting ceremony.

Then, 1.5 million lights will burst to life, more than 1,000 fireworks will brighten the sky and an estimated crowd of more than 30,000 will have memories to last a lifetime.

“It’s nice to see this has become such a tradition to the people here in Coeur d’Alene and in Spokane,” Powers said.

The director of food and beverage for Hagadone Hospitality is this year’s guest of honor for the lighting ceremony and will lead the countdown on Friday.

“I was thrilled that they asked,” Powers said.

Powers joined the Hagadone company in 1985 and oversaw food and beverage operations for the opening of The Coeur d’Alene Resort.

He went on to lead food and beverage operations during openings at the Kootenai River Inn in Bonners Ferry, the Coeur d’Alene Inn and Convention Center, which is now the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn, Silver Mountain Resort and Greyhound Park and Event Center. He also oversaw the openings of Tito’s Italian Grill and Wine Shop and CDA Taphouse Unchained on Sherman Avenue.

“I’ve just been the person that was always involved in food and beverage,” Powers said.

He was only 17 when he was a general manager at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor in the Seattle area. 

“That’s how I got into the restaurant business,” he said.

A few moves and job changes eventually led him to The Coeur d’Alene Resort, where he has left a mark of excellence.

“Every single day is an opportunity to exceed expectations for our guests that come in,” Powers said.

With the daily demands that come with his job, Powers knows the importance of physical fitness. He has a second-degree black belt in karate and has competed in Olympic-distance triathlons.

“I like to stay active,” he said.

Powers said last year, the Hagadone Corp.’s food and beverage division produced more revenue than the rooms division.

"Which is unheard of in a resort hotel environment,” he said.

He attributes that success to the more than 550 food and beverage employees he oversees. He loves the opportunity to hire, train and support them.

“We’ve got a great team,” Powers said.

A few years ago, when he was asked by a publication about the evolution of food and beverage, he didn't offer an analysis on trends, ingredients or the latest and greatest drinks.

“The story is the people,” he said.

The 2023 Coeur d’Alene Resort Holiday Light Show includes 250 displays, more fire-breathing dragons on The Boardwalk, and a new house for Santa Claus, who waits across Lake Coeur d’Alene for boys and girls aboard Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises on their Journey to the North Pole.

“This will be exciting because every year gets better,” Powers said “Every year gets elevated to a whole different level.”

The lighting ceremony starts at 5 p.m. in downtown Coeur d’Alene, with a lighted parade on Sherman Avenue. At 6 p.m., Brad Hagadone, chairman and CEO of the Hagadone Corporation, will open the ceremony. 

Then, all eyes will turn to Powers. It's a moment he is honored to share with the thousands who will be there.

 “It’s an opportunity to welcome the holiday season here at The Resort," he said.