Old Fashion Christmas Festival & Lighted Parade Winners 2025
1st – Clearwater County Ambulance
2nd – JSD171 School Bus
3rd – Orofino Pool
The weather outside was frightful, but the lights were so delightful! After a day of pouring rain, the dedicated participants were blessed with a pause in the storm and no more rain during the parade and tree lighting festivities! At 6pm on Friday evening, there were 10 entries and a few special guests for the chamber’s Lighted Parade. The Orofino Police Department led the way, followed by our Grand Claus, Joan Mount and Chamber President Kim Johnson, with Santa arriving to hitch a ride on the Orofino Pool float.
KLER Radio Jeff Jones and Branden Presgrove welcomed the watchers and did a great job announcing the entries as they proceeded down Johnson Avenue from Michigan Avenue in beautiful downtown Orofino. A moment of silence was observed in honor of the late Mike Mount who was chosen earlier this season as our Grand Claus. His wife Joan was there to accept the award and kind enough to be present at the celebration. Thank you to Malia Erlewine and Hanson Garage, Doug Adams, for the vehicle to transport our Grand Mrs. Claus. Thank you to Innovia Foundation for a generous sponsorship grant to help fund the event.
Our parade judges had a great view from the Edward Jones Investment office of Matt Sartini and made their selections for the 2025 awards, handmade by Back Country Trading Post. The wonderful Lewis Clark Credit Union Orofino staff organized the parade again this year, with much appreciation from the viewers and chamber board.
Santa took time to greet spectators after the parade and help with the countdown to lighting the official Christmas tree at Cannon Park. Thank you to Jen Runia for assisting Santa in true elf spirit with her talent for inspiration. A multitude gathered to follow him into the Orofino City Park for free photos provided by Kyran Perez and treats from Potlatch #1 Financial Credit Union Orofino.
Orofino City Park was glowing with lighted displays, music and Christmas spirit provided by generous community volunteers from Sunset Mart Orofino, O-Town Mugs & Grubs, Clearwater Valley Health, TLC Foundation, City of Orofino, Girl Scout Troop 2447, 6C Splash, Rotary Club Interact Orofino and the LDS Church Nativity. Straw was generously donated by Big Canyon Acres Peck for the nativity path and kept feet dry in the very wet grass of the park. Crafts, cookies and cocoa were provided by Breath Back Ministries and the Thornton Group bakers. The tree lights were done with the help of IDYCA Pierce, Dave Holland using Twin Oaks Building Solutions high lift, Clearwater Power Company and Avista Utilities. We couldn’t have done it without them. Special appreciation to Avista Utility for hanging the lighted Christmas wreaths and snowflakes on Hwy 12, Michigan Ave, Main Street and Johnson Avenue in Orofino. Their dedicated efforts deserve a round of applause. Many hours and helping hands are needed to bring this event together. Please consider reaching out to the chamber to volunteer to continue this event.
The Clearwater County Chamber of Commerce appreciates your support and invites you to join us with local businesses in continued events this month. Capture the Clearwater Claus at participating area merchants and win a prize. Details posted daily on the chamber Facebook page and Instagram. Nominate a storefront light display to be presented with an award. Activities happen throughout the county until Christmas eve. For more information follow the chamber website and social media or contact us 208-476-4335, 6cdirector@gmail.com.
Best wishes during this holiday season from the chamber board of directors and staff.
Parade Winner: 1st place Clearwater County Ambulance
Parade Winner! 2nd place JSD 171!
Parade Winner: 3rd place Orofino Pool Group!
Orofino Pool parade float
