“Gnome for the Holidays” is the theme for 33rd Annual Christmas Fantasy

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 in Waukon. The theme will be, “Gnome for the Holidays!”

2024 Christmas 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 entertainment.

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. Make a reservation by calling 563-568-4177.  Santa will also be available for visits and photos.

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.  

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., Sunday, November 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Monday, November 13, from 2-6 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
Each year there are more and more unique shopping opportunities on silent auction at the Fantasy. These are all 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.