33rd Annual Christmas Fantasy held this week: “Gnome For the Holidays”
33rd Annual Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation Christmas Fantasy scheduled for November 15-18 ... The 33rd Annual Christmas Fantasy happens this weekend at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion. Christmas Fantasy opens Friday Night, November 15, at 5 p.m. with the “Tingle and Mingle” happy hour event. Reservations for the Saturday Wine, Cheese and Dessert evening, the new Brunch with Santa this Sunday and Monday’s Noon Luncheon are still being accepted by calling 563-568-4177. Be sure to see the schedule of numerous events listed within this article. Submitted photos.
The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s Christmas Fantasy 2024 will be held this Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion. The theme will be, “Gnome for the Holidays!”
2024 Fantasy Schedule of Events
“Tingle ‘N Mingle” Happy Hour
The Friday evening “Tingle ‘N Mingle” happy hour will be held November 15, from 5-8 p.m. This annual Friday night happy hour event is a special opportunity to meet socially with friends and co-workers after work. All you can eat hot and hearty hors d’oeuvres will be served again this year, plus desserts, candies, and spirits. Each ticket includes all of the delicious food plus two beverage tickets. The cost is $20 per person in advance or $25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased now at the main entrance of Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH), the Waukon or Postville Clinic, or at all local banks in Allamakee County. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
Wine, Cheese and Dessert Event
Saturday evening, November 16, will host a special wine, cheese and dessert event sponsored by Eagle’s Landing Winery of Marquette, the Empty Nest Winery of Waukon and Madigan Winery of Lansing. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Call 563-568-4177 to make a reservation. The cost for each ticket is $20 per person, which includes a wide variety of refreshments from these three wineries, meat and cheese buffet, crackers, dessert, viewing of the decorations, and special entertainment by the St. John’s Men’s Choir.
Brunch with Santa
New this year, brunch will be offered Sunday from 9 a.m. to Noon serving a full brunch sponsored by the Allamakee County Pork Producers. A cash Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar will be offered. Reservations are still being accepted at 563-568-4177. Santa will also be available for visits and photos. Sue Kiesau will be sharing special Christmas Story books during this time with children.
Fantasy Luncheon
The Monday Luncheon is sponsored by the Allamakee Cattlemen’s Association and will be held Monday, November 18. Call 563-568-4177 to make a reservation. The cost is $20 per person. Entertainment will be provided by Kristi Roeder and the Waukon High School Band, directed by Joann Sherman.
Visits and Photos with Santa Claus
New this year, Santa will be available for a visit Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Be ready with your cameras for a great photo opportunity!
General Viewing
The Christmas Fantasy 2024 event will be open to the public Saturday, November 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with entertainment provided by Jocelyn Berges, Lane Rich and Family, Lindsey Palmer and Family, Diane Haler, and Daryl Hansmeier. General viewing will also be available Sunday, November 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with special entertainment beginning at Noon including Sarah Stock, Lane Rich and Music Studio, Lindsey Palmer and Music Studio and Daryl Hansmeier. The Fantasy will also be open to the public Monday, November 18, from 2 p.m. until closing time at 6 p.m. Complimentary Christmas treats and cocoa will be available during all these public showings. Tickets are just $5 each, $2 for children ages 12 and under and Preschoolers are free.
Silent Auction
Over 100 silent auction items will be available for purchase throughout the weekend with the highest bidder winning the purchase of the item when the auction ends at 6 p.m. Monday evening, November 18. (Note: this ending time is one hour earlier than in previous years.) 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.
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, assisted by Jane Dietrich, Nancy Schoh, Julie Thompson and Lois Votsmier.
