In 1936, residents of the city of Gooding celebrated Christmas with something newfangled - lit and hanging decorations in downtown.

Those first decorations have long been replaced but nobody knows exactly how old the current decorations are. Some people estimate the welded, zip-tied and well worn yet cheery relics were purchased in the 1970s while others say they've been used a lot longer.

"I think they've been held together, however possible," said Gooding Chamber of Commerce President Shellie Amundson. "When the decorations are hung up on the poles, you don't really see just in how bad of shape they really are."

The city celebrates its centennial this year and officials at the Gooding Chamber of Commerce thought it would be the perfect time to try and replace the current decorations - regardless of their age. The chamber is raising money to purchase new decorations and holiday lights.

"When Gooding celebrates Christmas this year we thought it would be neat, as it is the centennial, to try and have new decorations up," said Amundson. "We need $28,000 to replace the garland and get some new decorations for the poles."

During a Centennial Celebration held at the Gooding County Fairgrounds on Saturday, roughly $2,000 was raised. About 50 residents enjoyed a specialty wine created for the centennial, plus dinner and dessert, and presentations by the Gooding High School Madrigals and Drama Team.

"It's been fun learning about the history of Gooding. This is our town, and it's a cool place to live," said Caitlin Pickens, 17, a Drama Club member who performed an improvisational sketch on the history of Gooding. "We should know the history and how Gooding came to be."

Lighted street garlands will be purchased to hang across Main Street; additional strands will be hung from 1st Street to 9th Street. The $16,000 for this portion of the project will cover 1,470 feet of garland with LED lights, adapters, attachment devices and two entrance signs.

The chamber would also like to purchase 25 pole-mounted decorations in a variety of holiday styles at a cost of $12,000. The decorations need to be ordered and paid for by October to guarantee their arrival by Christmas.

Gooding resident Karen Shuler, with the Gooding County Leader, gave a presentation on the history of Christmas in Gooding. She presented photos of Christmas over the years.

One black and white photograph, taken in 1950, was scrutinized more than the rest.

"I can't tell if (the lights) are the same ones we have now," Shuler said. "But they could be."

Blair Koch may be contacted at 208-316-2607 or blairkoch@gmail.com.

Lighting the Town

The Gooding Chamber of Commerce wants to raise $28,000 to purchase new Christmas lights for downtown. For more information contact Shellie Amundson at 208-934-9884.