Entertainment for the 33rd Annual Christmas Fantasy announced; Make your reservations now


“Gnome for the Holidays” at the 33rd Annual Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation Christmas Fantasy ... The “Gnome for the Holidays” Christmas Fantasy will be held at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion November 15, 16, 17 and 18 and is sponsored by the Veterans Memorial Hospital Health Care Foundation. Reservations are now being accepted for the Christmas Fantasy Saturday evening Wine, Cheese and Dessert event, the Monday Noon Luncheon and the new “Brunch with Santa” held Sunday morning. Submitted photos.

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s Christmas Fantasy 2024 will be held Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, November 15, 16, 17 and 18, at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion. The theme will be “Gnome for the Holidays!”

Numerous decorated Christmas trees will be on display and this years’ event will again offer over 100 shopping opportunities on the silent auction.

The Friday evening “Tingle ‘N Mingle” will be held Friday, November 15, from 5-8 p.m. This event is a special opportunity to meet socially with friends and co-workers after work. Like last year, much more hearty hors d’oeuvres, desserts, candies, breads and spirits will be served among the trees throughout the evening and will be catered by a variety of local businesses including Rhonda Stock, Tastefully Simple - Jan Baumler, Uptown Grill, Lid’s Restaurant, and Fiesta Vallarta all in Waukon. In addition, many Foundation members themselves will be adding to the line of hot and hearty foods, snacks and desserts again this year.  The cost is $20 per person in advance and $25 at the door. Advance tickets for this event can be purchased at Veterans Memorial Hospital, the Waukon or Postville Clinic, or from all local banks.

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

Saturday evening, November 16, 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 563-568-4177 for reservations or to decorate and host your own table of guests. The cost is $20 per person, which includes refreshments, viewing of the decorations, musical entertainment, and wine. Entertainment will be provided that evening by the St. John’s Men’s Choir.

The Monday luncheon is sponsored again this year by the Allamakee County Cattlemen’s Association and will be held Monday, November 18, at Noon. A full meal will be catered by B.E. Catered plus entertainment will be provided by Kristie Roeder, pianist, 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 563-568-4177. The cost for the luncheons is $20 per adult.

New this year, a “Brunch With Santa,” will be held Sunday, November 17. A brunch buffet of eggs, ham, fruit, rolls, and more will be served from 9 a.m. to Noon and will be sponsored by the Allamakee County Pork Producers. Santa will also be available to visit with children of all ages during this event. Reservations are being taken now for arrival between 9-9:30 a.m., 10-10:30 a.m. or 11-11:30 a.m.  Feel free to call 563-568-4177 to make a reservation. All ages are welcome to attend this event. The cost is $12 per adult, $8 for children ages 12 and under, and Preschool age and under are free.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, children will be given a special chance to see the Fantasy, plus have a visit and photo with Santa Claus. Entertainment will feature Diane Haler, Daryl Hansmeier, Sarah Stock, and piano students of Lane Rich.

The Fantasy will also be open to the public from 2-6 p.m. Monday, November 18. Christmas treats and cocoa will be offered during all these public showings. For all of these public showings, there is a $5 charge for adults, $2 for children under 12 and Preschool children and under are free.

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, mini-trees, and more, will be silent auctioned with the highest bidder winning the purchase at 6 p.m. Monday evening, November 18 (Note: the silent auction ends one hour earlier than in previous years.) Until that closing time, bidders can return anytime throughout the weekend, free of charge, to the Fantasy and raise their bid.

The 33rd Annual Christmas Fantasy is planned and sponsored by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation, including Rose Beardmore, Sue Blagsvedt, Vicki Bloxham, Kris Cote’, Chris Engstrom-Fosaaen, Patty Goltz, Kevin Hanson, Dan Headington, Judy Herman, Ardie Kuhse, Craig Lensing, Reid Mahoney, Jay Mathis, Becky Mitchell, Barb Shull, Sue Stamper, Jeremy Strub, Kim Sylvester and Matt Teslow.

Feel free to call 563-568-4177 for reservations for those specific events listed above that require reservations.  For more information on the Christmas Fantasy, call Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation member Erin Berns at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.