Bigfork Elves called to action

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

With the holidays fast approaching it's time once again for the Bigfork Elves to come out of the woodwork to transform the village for the Christmas season.

"Secretary of Decorating" Doug Averill issued a "call to active duty" for Bigfork Elves, would-be elves and anyone else who has the interests of the community at heart.

The first task for those willing to accept the call is the annual tree gathering and bulb twisting this Saturday at Flathead Lake Lodge.

Elves, also known as brownies, elfins, fays, leprechauns, nisses, pixies or sprites, should report to Flathead Lake Lodge at 8 a.m. on Nov. 10 for breakfast. After that elves will split into two groups — one for tree gathering and one for bulb twisting — and get started on the holiday preparation.

Trucks, chainsaws and axes are needed for a morning in the woods finding suitable trees and children are welcome to come along.

Work should wrap up around noon and will take place regardless of weather conditions.

One week later on "D" Day — Decorating Day — Elves and everyone else will be needed to assemble downtown at the Bigfork Inn to give Bigfork it's annual holiday facelift.

Sweet rolls and hot chocolate will be provided at the Inn and everyone can sign up for various duties with their respective "flight leaders."

Decorating will commence at 8:30 a.m. and continue until the early afternoon, including clean up. A chili and hot chocolate lunch will be provided at the Bigfork Inn compliments of Bigfork Lady Lions, Bigfork Masonic Lodge, Boyds Coffee and David May of the Bigfork Inn.

Each business downtown is expected to provide wire cutters, tie wire, screw drivers, ladders, staple guns, pliers, twine, brooms, shovels, garbage bags bulb testers and extension cords to assist with the decorating.

Volunteers are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Bigfork Food Bank. A collection box will be present at the Inn for donations.

Returning elves are also reminded to wear their elf hats and their insignia of rank. Elves without insignias will not be eligible for promotion up the elf ranks.