IDAHO CITY, ID — With a population of just over 450 people, Idaho City is a tight community. This year Christmas activities and decorations in the town almost didn't happen.
"Chamber did Christmas for many many years, and it's tough because, in a town like this, you don't have all the volunteers that you need, because people are so busy making a living just trying to survive and the snow is hard," said Doug Pottenger, Idaho City resident.
Doug Pottenger sprang into action.
"I said one day, I'll do it, and next thing I know, I'm at the end of a fire truck ladder 55 feet in the air hanging lights on the Christmas trees. Things like that, and I'm ripping out booths in my restaurant and making a place for Santa to sit, and we're hanging lights and doing trees."
Other community members believe he saved Christmas.
" All I did was invite people together. Matter of fact, this year, we had all the churches get together, and we did a live nativity, and we've sung songs, and we've had fun. Santa's been here, and we did the kneeling Santa."
Pottenger says he wants to make sure people come to enjoy all Idaho city has to offer as much as he does.
"We're proud of our town. I haven't lived here for a long time, but I've watched these people. I'm just amazed at what they do for each other, how they do it for each other, and the way they care for each other and take care of each other. And to me, Idaho city is just a great place to live, a great place to be even when we get eight feet of snow on the ground, it's still a wonderful place and can't do better than that."
