Miya Trevino helped Santa light the Christmas tree at the Seeley Lake Fire Department Tree Lighting Celebration, Dec. 16. Her mother Jen and younger sister Addy watch between Mrs. Claus and Mickey Mouse. Seeley Lake Fire Chief Michael Greer presented the Trevino family with a donation for $1,050 from the fire department volunteers. They earned the money working the Bob Marshall Music Festival this past summer and wanted to give it to the family since Addy was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.
The SSHS Choir singing "Here Comes Santa Claus" as Santa approaches.
Above: Department volunteer Mike Richards serving up hot dogs and hamburgers during the event.
Leos Club members Keaton Johnson and Cameron Haines running the four-wheeler Race Way. Gavin Haines prepares to drop the green flag while riders took their mark.
SSHS Leos Club member Madison Hinchey working the fish pond.
Seeley Lake five month old Logan Binder visiting Santa following the tree lighting ceremony.
Doug Richards sold more than $500 worth of raffle tickets and loaned all the games for the event. The raffle drawing will take place Dec. 20. The silent auction raised $250. All of the proceeds benefit the Trevino family.
SEELEY LAKE – A chorus of "Here comes Santa," echoes at the Seeley Lake Fire Hall as Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and Mickey Mouse along with Seeley Lake sisters Miya and Addy Trevino arrived in the antique fire engine Dec. 16. The excitement was contagious as Santa and Miya lit the Christmas tree and Santa was lifted in Missoula Electric Co-op's bucket to place the star during the Seeley Lake Fire Department's first annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration.
Seeley Lake Fire Chief Michael Greer estimated there were at least 40 volunteers including department members, community members and high school students that helped make the event happen. Greer said department members "Grandpa" Jim and his wife Marsha and Kody Kelley and his wife Lizza, District Administrator Lynn Richards and her husband Mike and community member Doug Richards deserved special recognition.
"They put in many, many hours in the days leading up to the event. Each of them were all there with me from early to late Saturday making sure this event happened," wrote Greer. "It quite literally would NOT have been possible without them."
It was standing room only in the fire engine bays before Santa arrived. The Seeley-Swan High School Leos Club helped with games and face painting while the SSHS Choir sang carols. Children received candy and gifts after playing the games provided by Doug Richards.
Attention soon shifted outside for the barbecue, bonfire and the arrival of Santa and his helpers. The choir sang "Here Comes Santa Claus" and the crowd erupted cheering and yelling as the antique engine arrived decorated in Christmas lights and carrying the special guests. Everyone counted down for Miya and Santa to light the tree. Then Santa got in the bucket of the Missoula Electric Co-op truck and was lifted to the top of the tree to place the star.
"There was so much cheering and excitement it was contagious," wrote Greer.
Everyone filed into Santa Lane to share their Christmas wishes with Santa and meet his crew. Following the Santa visits, the Department projected "The Grinch" and "Frosty the Snowman" on the big screen for everyone to enjoy.
The intent for the event was to bring the department together as well as the community after a long, difficult summer.
"I could not be more pleased with how it came together!" wrote Greer. "The turn out was fantastic and everyone seemed to be having a great time. It was exactly the kind of togetherness that I was hoping it would inspire!"
Greer appreciates all the individuals, groups and businesses that made the event possible. "I want them to know just how much I and this entire department appreciate what they did to make this such a great event for both the Seeley Lake Rural Fire Department and the Seeley Lake Community!"
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