CASPIENNE – Preparations are underway for the 32nd edition of the Christmas Tree Galleria scheduled from Friday November 26 to Sunday December 5 at the Iron County Historical Museum in the Caspian.
The gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
This year’s event will feature the return of beloved programs such as “Family evening” and “Santa Lucia”, as well as to introduce new entertainment with a cultural Christmas concert to fit this year’s theme of “Christmas in the world.”
“The Galleria is the museum’s most important fundraiser,” said Erika Sauter, director of the museum, “But part of our goal is also to provide free family entertainment, support our local businesses, and provide a historical perspective on Christmas traditions around the world.”
Daily deals throughout the gallery will include an exhibit of over 30 trees decorated by local businesses and groups, a raffle of gift baskets and free treats. Basket raffle tickets can be purchased in person or online. The draw will take place at 1 p.m. on December 5 at the museum’s Bernhardt Cultural Center.
Special programs to be offered this year include a Small Business Saturday event featuring on-site vendors and a list of deals and discounts offered by local businesses from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturday, November 27; Family evening with visits from Santa Claus and free crafts for children from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, November 29; a cribbage tournament with a buy-in of $ 6 at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 2; Cultural Christmas concert featuring a variety of music by local musicians at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 3; and the Santa Lucia program with Swedish music and goodies at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 4.
The highlight of the event will be a community volunteer recognition ceremony, followed by a basket draw on Sunday, December 5 at noon. Community members who will be recognized this year are Deborah Davis for her dedication and work at the Iron County Museum; Alisa Nelson for her cultural and creative contributions to Iron County; Dave McCord for his dedication to Iron County youth programs; and Maureen Elson for her efforts to protect and conserve the environment.
There will also be a dedication of a personalized bench that will be placed in memory of Larry Mellstrom, who passed away in 2019.
“We are very grateful to all the companies, non-profit organizations and individuals who helped make this event possible and we hope our community will benefit from it.” Sauter said.
For more details on the event and to purchase raffle tickets for gift baskets, visit ironcountymuseum.org/galleria, the museum’s Facebook page, email erika@ironcountymuseum.org or call 906 -265-2617.
