Christmas lighting extravaganza begins Sunday, November 23 in Plains

It doesn't quite feel like Christmas until Mike Hashisaki and his elves get the Sanders County Fairgrounds up and running for their Christmas light show, which kicks off Sunday at 6 p.m.

"We started getting ready at the end of September," Hashisaki said. The last of the lights that were ordered are supposed to be in on Wednesday and although they'll be cutting it close everything should be good to go by Saturday afternoon.

Hashisaki and Kim McNeil, the groundskeeper, have been working hard to prepare.

Hashisaki said that the extravaganza started in 1996 with a few miniature lights and figurines but since then has expanded astronomically.

"It has gotten a little out of hand," he said with a laugh. "We guesstimate that we use well over a million lights."

The event starts Sunday at the Sanders County Fair grounds in the pavilion area. Starting at 6 p.m., people can enjoy free hot chocolate and chili dogs. The public can also enjoy the sounds of the Missoula Youth Orchestra, who will have several members down to perform traditional carols from around 6 p.m. to 6:45.

According to Hashisaki Santa Claus will arrive at 7 p.m. in a horse-drawn surrey provided by Warren Wickum. The festivities will be capped off at 7:15 p.m. with a fireworks display.