Entertainment for the 31st Annual Christmas Fantasy announced; Make reservations now

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s Christmas Fantasy 2022 will return in its entirety after three years, being held Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, November 11, 12, 13 and 14, at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion. The theme will be “Making the Future Bright” following COVID and the future of Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH), which is hoping to become a county hospital to ensure its future.

Over 50 decorated Christmas trees will be on display and this year’s event will again offer nearly 100 shopping opportunities on the silent auction.

Reservations are now being taken for the popular Saturday evening Wine, Cheese and Dessert Event, and the Saturday and Monday Noon luncheons.

The luncheons are sponsored again this year by the Allamakee County Cattlemen’s Association and will be held Saturday, November 12, at Noon, and again Monday, November 14, at Noon. A full meal will be catered by B.E. Catered plus entertainment will be provided at both events. At the Saturday luncheon, guests will enjoy entertainment by the Keystone Singers. Kristie Roeder will be the pianist entertaining at the Monday luncheon, followed by some members of the Waukon High School Band directed by JoAnn Sherman.

All guests will have ample time to view all of the displays at the event. Reservations can be made by calling 563-568-6262. Cost for either of the luncheons is $20 per adult.  (Note:  The Saturday luncheon offers more room to stroll around and view the trees and is a great option for enjoying the Fantasy on the weekend with friends and family from out of town.)

Saturday evening, November 12, will host a special wine, cheese and dessert event sponsored by the Eagle’s Landing Winery of Marquette, Empty Nest Winery of Waukon and also Madigan Winery of Lansing. Call 563-568-1046 for reservations or to decorate and host a table. The cost is $20 per person, which includes refreshments, viewing of the decorations, musical entertainment, and wine.  Entertainment will be provided by Karen Lonning Teaser.

The Friday evening “Tingle ‘N Mingle” will be held Friday, November 11, from 5-8 p.m.  This event is a special opportunity to meet socially with friends and co-workers after work. Many tables of hors d’oeuvres, desserts, candies, breads and spirits will be served among the trees throughout the evening and will be catered by Rhonda Stock, Smokin’ Monkey BBQ and Tastefully Simple-Jan Baumler.

The cost is $20 per person in advance and $25 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at Veterans Memorial Hospital or from all local banks.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, children will be given a special chance to see the Fantasy, plus have a visit with Santa Claus. Story telling with Sue Kiesau will add to the excitement. Katie Hennessy will be on hand for a holiday Christmas card/picture opportunity for children with Santa Claus. These photos will be available for purchase. Santa will be available until 4 p.m. to visit with anyone.

The Christmas Fantasy 2022 event will be open to the public Saturday, Sunday and Monday afternoons. Sunday is sponsored by Thrivent Financial. Entertainment will feature piano students of Lane Rich and Lindsey Palmer.

Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. Marcia Hesse’s Class will be performing for the area nursing home residents attending the Fantasy as well as the public.

Christmas treats and cider will be offered during these public showings. Preschool children enter the Fantasy free of charge, but must be accompanied by an adult. There will be a $1 charge for children under 12, and a $5 charge for adults at the general viewings.

Numerous silent auction items will be available for purchase through a silent bid that will continue over the course of this four-day event. These door and wall decorations, centerpieces, gift baskets, chairs, antiques, quilts and mini-trees will be silent auctioned with the highest bidder winning the purchase 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.

The 31st Annual Christmas Fantasy is planned and sponsored by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation, including Rose Beardmore, Sue Blagsvedt, Mitch Duncklee, Patty Goltz, Kevin Hanson, Judy Herman, Jane Kallevang, Ardie Kuhse, Craig Lensing, Jay Mathis, Nona Sawyer, Nancy Schoh, Kim Sylvester, Matt Teslow and Kay Zimmerman, assisted by Karen and Bob Swenson, Julie Thompson, Vicki Bloxham and Pat Pettingill.

Be sure to call the numbers listed above to make reservations for the Saturday and Monday Fantasy Luncheons, or for the Saturday night Wine, Cheese and Dessert event.

For more information about the Christmas Fantasy, call Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation member Erin Berns at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.