Annual Christmas Fantasy celebrating its silver anniversary this weekend with theme of "25 Years of Caring and Sharing"

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s Christmas Fantasy 2016 will be held Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, November 11, 12, 13 and 14 at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon. The theme will be “25 Years of Caring and Sharing” in honor of the 25th anniversary of this annual community event.  In addition to the numerous decorated Christmas trees, this year's event will again offer many, many shopping opportunities on the silent auction.

Each year there are more and more shopping opportunities on silent auction including centerpieces and gifts baskets, wreaths, swags, chairs, mini-trees, quilts, toys, wall hangings and a wide variety of other decorative items. These are all  available for purchase throughout the weekend through a silent auction with the highest bidder winning the purchase of the item when the auction ends at 7 p.m. Monday evening, November 14. Until that closing time, bidders can return free of charge to the Fantasy and raise their bid.   All silent auction items are decorated and donated to the Foundation.

2016 FANTASY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
“Tingle ‘N Mingle” Happy Hour is a special opportunity to meet socially with friends and co-workers. Over a dozen tables of hearty hors d’oeuvres, desserts, candies, breads and spirits will be served among the trees from 5-8 p.m. Friday night, November 11. Tickets are available at Veterans Memorial Hospital and local banks, as well as at the door.

Saturday evening, November 12 will feature a special wine, cheese and dessert event sponsored by Eagle’s Landing Winery of Marquette and the Empty Nest Winery of Waukon, beginning at 7 p.m.   Reservations are required for this event as seats are limited. Call 563-568-4177 to make a reservation. The cost includes refreshments, dessert, viewing of the decorations, and entertainment.

Two special Christmas Fantasy Luncheons sponsored by the Allamakee Cattlemen’s Association will be offered Saturday, November 12, and Monday, November 14. Call 563-568-6262 to make a reservation for either of the luncheons. Note: Historically, the Monday luncheon sells out, but the Saturday luncheon offers more room to stroll around and view the trees and is a great option for enjoying the Fantasy with friends and family from out of town.

From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, November 13, children will be given a special chance to see the Fantasy, plus have a visit with Santa Claus himself. Story telling by Sue Kiesau will add to the excitement. Katie Hennessey of Cote’Color Photography will be on hand for a holiday Christmas card/picture opportunity for children with Santa Claus. These photos will be available for purchase.

Admission and other ticket pricing and general information can be found on Page 2A of this week's print edition and e-edition of The Standard.
 
GENERAL VIEWING
The Christmas Fantasy 2016 event will be open to the public Saturday, November 12 from 2-5 p.m., Sunday, November 13 from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. sponsored by Thrivent Financial, and Monday, November 14 from 2-7 p.m., offering entertainment from area choirs and artists.  Complimentary Christmas treats and cider will be available during public showings.

The 25th Annual Christmas Fantasy is planned and sponsored by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation, including Sue Blagsvedt, Dan Denk, Jane Dietrich, Jackie Halverson, Kevin Hanson, Amy Cote’, Ardie Kuhse, Craig Lensing, Dennis Lyons, Gail Prestemon, Ann Roed, Jeanette Reugnitz, Nona Sawyer, Nancy Schoh and Matt Teslow, assisted by Kim Sylvester, Karen Swenson, Julie Thompson, Pat Pettingill and Wayne Burk.