First Friday Brings Locals Out

SEELEY LAKE – The First Friday inaugural event got people out and about Friday, Oct. 6. Organizers were pleased with how the first event went and look forward to First Fridays through the winter.

The first person to visit the Tamaracks Resort, the featured business of the month, received a free greeting card from the Seeley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. While no attendees took the Resort up on their 50 percent discount on kayak and canoe rentals many enjoyed snacks, drinks and browsed the gift shop.

"The food was good, the people were nice and we did well," said Tamaracks Resort Manager Jessica Kimmel.

The party continued at The Filling Station. Before Good Old Fashioned, a Missoula band, started playing, the Chamber asked questions about the Tamaracks generated by Kimmel. Five drink tokens were given out to those with the correct answers.

Once Good Old Fashion tuned up their violin, guitar and banjo, the dance floor was open and enjoyed by all ages.

"So many locals laughing, dancing and enjoying the music!" said Kris Martin, owner of The Filling Station. "I thought it was wonderful; uplifting even."

"I felt it was fun and I think for the first time it was a success," said Chris Stout, event organizer. "I will be happy to be a part of making it a go for the year."

Lisa Hayhurst, executive director for the Chamber, is open to new ideas for things to do that will bring people out to have fun and enjoy the evening. Businesses that are interested in being the featured business are asked to contact her by calling the Chamber office at 677-2880 or email slchamber@blackfoot.net

"We are very thankful to the Chamber and Chris Stout for bringing the First Fridays thing to light," said Kimmel. "[Tamaracks Resort] was honored to be the first business to get things up and running. I hope it is really successful and I hope it reaches more places than Seeley Lake."