With Lights Glowing, Historical Society Hosts Festival

"Word has it, there will be a Victorian gent in a black top hat greeting guests as they walk in the door," stated Lori Taylor, curator at the Phillips County Museum. The night will be laced with fun, friends and food as the Phillips County Historical Society gets back into the festivities of Christmas following a two year change in plans due to Covid.

Thursday, December 1st, the holidays will kick off with the "Christmas Festival" at the Phillips County Museum at 6 pm, you might want to plan to come early to make sure you get a good seat.

Kay Hould, outgoing president of the society, stated that in-coming President Carol Kienenberger will slip into the seat and be handed the reins at the night of sparkle and spangle. Warren Taylor, emcee for the evening, will be on hand as well.

Entertainment for the night of merriment will include the young Chime Choir, as well as piano selections by Penny Mackay.

There are decorated trees and wreaths to bid on at the auction part of the evening, and there is an array of special items that will be available to bid on throughout the evening as the silent auction. Hould stated they have out-of-town bidders as well as contributors for the event. This is the main fund raiser for the operation of the society.

Tokens can be purchased at the front desk for voting on your favorite wreath or tree; tickets are available for the items which are available via Chinese auction chances.

The Malta Dirt Daubers have also donated an array of centerpieces all bright and shimmery and eye-appealing.

The trees, wreaths, silent auction goods and drawing gifts have all been donated by the public. This is the 17th year the public has been able to enjoy the gala event, and the 19th since it was started in 2004. Two years in a row the event was conducted by radio and walk-in votes due to Covid.

In addition to a fun evening, each guest will receive a coupon good for a 20% discount at the gift shop.

Lori stated, "There has been a battle of bids, some pretty stiff competition usually on the trees by the Red Hatters and 4-H Club entries." There will be refreshments, hors d'oeuves, punch and special drinks.

The final event at the museum will be a vendor show in December, the museum will then be closed for three months.

Save the night on your calendar, and plan to get into the spirit of the holidays on Thursday evening. Come in where it is warm and spread your cheer with others.