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Feature article
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Getting into the spirit of things
By Marci Gore
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According to the calendar, Christmas is still seven weeks away. But you certainly wouldn’t know it from the looks of things at the Hands On! Regional Museum.
For more than 20 years now, the museum has ushered in the holiday season with its annual Festival of Trees — a series of events that is sure to get even the biggest Scrooge out there in the Christmas spirit while garnering financial support for the museum for the coming year.
“This is our museum’s main fund-raiser. We have two others, but this one brings in the most money,” said museum marketing manager Kristine Carter.
Proceeds from the Festival of Trees events are dedicated to the museum’s educational interactive exhibits and hands-on programs.
The festivities are currently under way with the “Showing of the Trees” exhibit. Carter said this year’s display features 30 items, including designer-decorated trees, wreaths and garlands. The showing of the trees exhibit is free with paid admission to the museum and continues through Tuesday, Nov. 17.
Then on Friday, Nov. 20, the museum will host the Night of Lights Gala and auction off not only the greenery featured in the showing of the trees, but many other items donated by the region’s businesses and individuals. This year’s theme is “Seasonal Soiree.”
The evening will begin with a silent auction, followed by dinner from Main Street Catering and dancing with music from the MJBecks Band. With items such as artwork, massages, fitness packages, trips, entertainment and dinner packages, Carter says it’s the perfect opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping.
“We have things that are extremely affordable all the way up to a week-long vacation,” she said. “We usually end up with about 100 different auction items. And it can be anything. This year, we’ve got sports items, items for the men, the women, the kids, the families. We try to get people to think about not only what they could buy for someone else for Christmas, but something they could buy for themselves that they could enjoy even after Christmas.”
And it’s all for a good cause, Carter says.
“Last year our museum served 80,000 people from all over the region,” she said. “We usually raise about $60,000 during this fund-raiser to go toward our numerous educational programs, activities and exhibits.”
Tickets to the Night of Lights Gala are $100 each and are on sale now at the museum.
Hands On! is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays; and from 1 to 5 p.m., Sundays. Admission is $8 for adults and children ages 3 and up, and free for those younger than 2.
For more information or to order tickets for the Nights of Lights Gala, call 423-434-4263, ext. 108.
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Festival of Trees
WHEN: Through Nov. 17
WHERE: Hands On! Regional Museum, Johnson City
COST: $8, adults and children 3 and up; Free, children younger than 2
CONTACT: 423-434-4263
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