"Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas" is theme for VMH Health Care Foundation's Christmas Fantasy this weekend

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Health Care Foundation’s Christmas Fantasy 2012 will be held this weekend, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, November 9-12, at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon. The theme will be “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas.” In addition to the numerous, record-breaking number of Christmas trees, this year's event will again offer many shopping opportunities on the silent auction.
The 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, toys and mini-trees will be silent auctioned, with the highest bidder winning the purchase at 7 p.m. Monday evening, November 12. Until that closing time, bidders can return, free of charge, to the Fantasy and raise their bid.
A number of quilted and crafted items will be displayed at the Fantasy and will actually have a price on them. These items can be purchased throughout the weekend; however, they are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Items will be marked sold as they are purchased and can be picked up at the end of the four-day event. All of these items have been made and donated to the Foundation by area individuals.
As a special addition this year, Felicity Arts of Lansing, has donated 75 large glass happy balls to the 2012 Christmas Fantasy and KolGol, Inc. has donated the metal stands for displaying them. These happy balls and stands will be displayed inside the front door and also sold individually. This year, they will be offered on a cash and carry basis so they can be taken home immediately at the time of the sale.

“TINGLE ‘N MINGLE” HAPPY HOUR
The Fantasy will open Friday evening, November 9, with the “Tingle ‘N Mingle” Happy Hour, sponsored by Four County Ag of Postville, which will include tables of hearty hors d’oeuvres, desserts and spirits served among the trees from 5-8 p.m. The event will be catered by B.E. Catered, Jim and Charlene Baxter and Mary Engrav. This event is a special opportunity to meet socially with friends and co-workers, after work. The cost includes the hors d’oeuvres buffet and two free drinks. Tickets are available at Veterans Memorial Hospital and local banks, as well as at the door.

FANTASY LUNCHEONS
The Fantasy Luncheons will be sponsored by the Allamakee Cattlemen’s Association again this year. They will be held Saturday, November 10 and Monday, November 12, at Noon each day. Call 563-568-6262 to make a reservation for either of the luncheons. Entertainment and viewing of all the holiday decorations is included. 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.

WINE, CHEESE AND DESSERT EVENING
Saturday evening, November 10 will feature a special wine, cheese and dessert event sponsored by the Eagle’s Landing Winery of Marquette. Call 563-568-4177 for reservations. The cost includes refreshments, viewing of the decorations, musical entertainment, and a special wine tasting demonstration by the Eagles Landing Winery.

VISITS AND PHOTOS WITH SANTA CLAUS
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, November 11, 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 Hennessy 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.

GENERAL VIEWING
The Christmas Fantasy event will be open to the public for general viewing Saturday, November 10 from 2-5 p.m., Sunday, November 11 from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Monday, November 12 from 2-7 p.m., also offering entertainment from area choirs and students. Complimentary Christmas treats and cider will be offered during all of 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 $3 charge for adults at the general viewings.
The “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas” Christmas Fantasy 2012 is planned and sponsored by the Veterans Memorial Hospital Health Care Foundation. To find out more information about the event, call Veterans Memorial Hospital Health Care Foundation members Sue Schlitter, at 563-568-2438, or Gloria Krambeer, at 563-568-3182.