'Christmas Wish' comes true at Phillips County Museum

Vehicles lined Highway 2, both west and east, as visitors filled into the P.C. Museum for a Christmas feast. The tree's were light brightly, each designed with detail and care, folks picked their favorite's and were willing to share. Christmas songs rang through, by a cowboy and girl, and the choirs sang proudly during the winter rendezvous.

The Phillips County Historical Society held their annual Christmas Social at the P.C. Museum last Thursday night. This year's festival of trees was entitled A Christmas Wish, and by turnout and the happy faces and chatter from the guests, it looked as if 2016's event was another success.

Of the many highlights of the event, the Christmas Tree auction featured a total of 12 tree decorated by local groups and companies to be auctioned off. All told, the tree auction raised $3,030. The tree that won the people's choice award -- voting took place throughout the night by guests who dropped "gold" coins into bins placed beneath the trees, was Pennies from Heaven, decorated by Hi-Lined H'Attitudes and featured Origami ornaments made from U.S. currency.

Here are some results from the nights auctions and raffles.

2016 Silent Auction Results: Oh Give Me a Home, centerpiece donated by Nellie Ereaux was won for $50 to Amy Bruce. Ho Ho Ho Red Jolly Wreath, donated by Avante, was won by Theresa Fry for $65. Dancing Snow Fairies, a wreath donated by Karen Ellsworth of Karen's Kreations, was won by Bridgette Ereaux for $65. Blue Mustang, a wreath donated by A Friend of the Museum, was won by Barb Rummel for $60. Holiday Magic, a wreath donated by Avante, was won by Bridgette Ereaux for $80 and Fabric Delight, a wreath donated by Jodee Lee, was won by Kathy Bagley for $50.

A total of eight bucket raffle items were won on the night.

2016 Bucket Raffle Winners: Cheryl Moore won Oh Christmas Tree, a table runner donated by Sheila Walsh; Darlene Perry won Rockin Red, a vase donated by Sydney and Sammy Gibbs; Parker Heinlen won Triangle Melody, a table runner donated by Wilma Mavencamp; Penny Mackey won Silver Splendor, a table runner donated by the Whitewater Lutheran Church; Leonard Leader won Santa's On His Way, a centerpiece donated by Jacy Stolem; Damien Austin won Christmas Basket, donated by Barb Heinlein and Blayne Rummel won Stars on Ice, a table runner donated by Moore's Printing.

Items auctioned off on the night other than Christmas trees were: Christmas Pony, a wreath in the shape of a horses' head, donated by Knudsen Appraisal, was won by Sheila Walsh for $130; Good Bless America, a wood quilt block, was won by KMMR for $170; Time for a Christmas Wish, a wreath donated by First Security Bank was won by First Security Bank for $205 and Cowboy Christmas, a wreath donated by the Rough Riders 4-H Club, was won by First Security Bank for $130.

Christmas Tree Auction: Warm Fuzzy Wishes, donated by First Security Bank, was won by Karla Sudbrack for $175; Under the Sea Christmas, donated by the Great Northern Hotel, was won by Darlene Perry of 21 Construction for $205; Pennies from Heaven, donated by Hi-Line H'Attitudes, was won by Ralph Korman for $290; Home for the Holidays, donated by Family Matters, was won by P.C. Insurance for $290; Wishing You a Gingerbread Christmas, donated by P.C. Insurance, was won by Hammond Ranch for $280; Wish Upon a Star, donated by Margaret Leader and Clarice Lundman, was won by Bill's Classic Auto for $290 and donated to the Hi-Line Retirement Center; Sewing Tree, donated by Hands All Around Quilting, was won by Ezzie's Wholesale for $300 and donated to the HLRC; He's a Jolly Happy Soul, donated by Tulips and Treasures, was won by Blayne and Barb Rummel for $190; Wine Upon a Star, donated by the Tin Cup Bar and Grill, was won by American Prairie Foundation for $400; Remember Me – Fighting for a Cure for Alzheimer's, donated by Malta Head Start, was won by the Great Northern Hotel for $170; A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, donated by the Hould Ranch, was won by West Side Self Service for $310 and Angel Tree, donated by Avante, was won by Warren and Lori Taylor for $400.