Parade of Lights Caper

Location: River's Edge Trail, Great Falls
Cost: Free
 

Great Falls Park & Recreation Launches “Parade of Lights Caper”
A Family-Friendly Mystery Along the River’s Edge Trail

GREAT FALLS, MT — This holiday season, something mysterious is happening on the River’s Edge Trail. Just days before the beloved Parade of Lights, Santa’s sleigh has vanished from the Park & Recreation storage area — and Great Falls needs local sleuths to help crack the case.

The Parade of Lights Caper is a free, family-friendly scavenger hunt-style game presented by Great Falls Park & Recreation. It runs from November 27 through November 30, turning the city’s iconic trail system into a real-life mystery board.

Clues featuring colorful suspects, curious “evidence,” and iconic local locations will be hidden along the River’s Edge Trail. Participants will use each clue to eliminate possibilities — just like in the classic game Clue — until they’re left with one suspect, one location, and one sneaky item that reveals what really happened to the sleigh.

“This is a fun, creative way to get families outdoors during the holiday season,” said Arthur Smovir, Trails Coordinator. “It’s part story, part puzzle, and fully Great Falls.”

Participants can download a Clue Tracker from the Parks & Rec website or pick one up at the Park and Rec office located at 1700 River Drive North. Those who solve the caper correctly will be entered into a drawing for prizes, including gift cards to local businesses and passes to the Great Falls Recreation Center.

From now until Thanksgiving, Great Falls Park & Rec will be releasing character profiles, location teasers, and extra hints on their website and Facebook Event Page.

Whether you're a curious kid, a puzzle-loving adult, or just looking for a new holiday tradition — bundle up, hit the trail, and see if you can find the sleigh before the Parade of Lights begins.