Considering that this was a first-ever event, and considering that Mother Nature wasn't exactly kind to the organizers, this first-time event went very well.

In spite of the rain, which started during the night and fairly pounded the town during the early hours, at least 15 hardy groups set up their booths and offered their wares.

Food was abundant, and early shoppers could easily get a start on their Christmas lists.

I especially enjoyed taking the tour of the Beardmore. Since my great-grandfather played a large part in its construction, it holds a special place for me. I was disappointed to find that the ballroom is no more, but they've done a beautiful job of remodeling and renovating. I'd have preferred to see a return to the original look, but that's my personal bias. I like "old stuff."

The "New Beardmore" will offer both street-front retail spaces and luxurious office space. And theirs is the first elevator in Priest River since the "Old Beardmore" sported an elevator from the street to the basement for deliveries.

For those who have been here forever - remember how that metal cover over the elevator shaft clanked when you walked across it?

I was impressed with the City/Chamber cooperation evident by the closure of Main and High Streets for this event. That's something else that hasn't happened in Priest River in quite a while!

Kudos to the organizers - I hope you felt that it was successful enough to do it again next year!