Christmas celebrations across Stillwater County

An estimated 180 children waited their turn for a short conference and photo with Santa last Friday night at Beartooth Ford, sponsored by First Interstate Bank as part of the Columbus Parade of Lights celebration. The photo sessions had to be rushed at the end to allow Santa to get on the first float of the parade, which featured 13 floats and relatively warm temperatures. In the business category, the top winner was the Stillwater Billings Clinic, followed by Altana Credit Union in second and Alpine Carpet Cleaners in third. In the non-profit category, Columbus Baptist took top honors followed by Johnny’s Buckaroos and the Special K Ranch, said parade organizer Mary Blankenship. First place was awarded $100, second place was awarded $75 and third place took home $50.
On Sunday kids flocked in big numbers to Project Hope’s Kids’ Shopping Day in Columbus (see page 2 for photos and more information).
And in the south county, Nye Gets Lit attendees filled the Nye Fire Hall for a night of music, entertainment and great food.