The time has come to transform Bigfork into “Montana’s Christmas Village,” and organizers say they’ve drummed up new volunteers just in the nick of time.  

Decorating Day will start at 8 a.m. in front of the Bigfork Inn on Saturday, Nov. 22, where there will be a quick lesson on bow tying before hitting the streets of Bigfork. Organized by the Bigfork Elves, hundreds of volunteers flood downtown every November to decorate businesses with 10,000 feet of garland and 5,000 feet of string lights.  

The group has been transforming the village into a Christmastime postcard for more than 40 years.   

The Elves are about to go through some leadership changes, according to Head Elf Michele Mank, who has been with the group for nearly 20 years. She is planning her departure after this season but has had trouble recruiting people to take over her position and other vacant board seats.  

Following Decorating Prep Day, Mank said she’s been talking to people who are interested in joining the board.   

On Decorating Day, elves are broken into teams to tackle certain businesses or landmarks, like the Bridge Street Bridge. The endeavor takes about four hours, according to Mank. Santa hats will be provided for new elves, and insignia pins for returning elves will be given out after decorating is completed.  

Coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts will be provided for breakfast, and chili will be served for lunch, courtesy of the Garden Bar and Bigfork Ladies Service Club. 

After decorations have been hung up, Bigfork’s Holiday Art Walk begins at 4 p.m., followed by a tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.  

Undecorating Day is Jan. 31.