December 24, 2009
International Stroll offers entertainment, food and shopping in Polson
By Berl Tiskus
Valley Journal
Azerbaijan, Bavaria, China, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, North Pole, Russia, Scandinavia, South Pole and the United Kingdom — all these countries were represented either by food or cultural objects or both on Friday, Dec. 18. That’s the day the Polson Business Community (PBC) hosted its first International Stroll in downtown Polson from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Shamrockers were singing at Quinn’s Wrap Shack and had gathered quite a crowd of music lovers. To complete its Irish theme, Quinn’s offered corned beef and cabbage dip as well as Christmas cookies and treats.
Page by Page Books proprietress Marilyn Maier chose Bavaria. Polson residents Irmgard Hove and Heidi Medland came in Bavarian costume. Hove brought a large photo of a Bavarian castle, New Schwanstein, one of Mad King Ludwig’s castles, treats, and a CD player with Bavarian music. Medland brought items she’d knitted, such as mittens and sweaters with an edelweiss, an alpine flower found in Bavaria. Medland also brought her Christmas pyramid, a multi-storied wooden carousel, which relies on candle heat to make it turn. Tiny wooden figures from the Nativity, such as baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the three kings, the shepherds, turn slowly on the Christmas pyramid.
Strollers Toni Aviles and her son Joshua were doing some shopping and looking at the beautiful vignettes. The Aviles family moved here from Chicago. Toni laughed because she said she was worried there wouldn’t be enough to do in Polson; now she doesn’t have time to get to every event.
Although shoppers were scarce on Polson’s Main Street when the Griz game began at 6 p.m., the line of children and families waiting to see Santa Claus at the Cove Deli was long.
After all, this was the last weekend before Christmas, and kids needed to whisper Christmas wishes in Santa’s ear and get a candy cane and a photo to mark the occasion. |
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