A Festive Holiday Tradition Continues

By Jubilee P. Reid

Original Publish Date: October 31, 2023

It’s time once again to get ready for the holiday season as the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum Guild prepares for Holiday House. This festive annual fundraiser will be held at the museum on Thursday, November 9^th, beginning with a bake sale at 6 p.m. With the theme of “Winter Wonderland,” this entertaining event consists of a bake sale, dinner, live and silent auction, and live music. Many assorted cakes, cookies, and other treats will be made for the bake sale by members of the Museum Guild. Although it officially begins at 6 p.m., people often line up early for the goodies available. Guild members also cook the delicious dinner which begins at 6:30 p.m. A local dulcimer group, Harmony & G.R.I.T.S., will perform live music and Keith Bester from Ambiance Catering will decorate for the occasion.

More than seventy generously donated items will be auctioned including several gift baskets, many pieces of jewelry, multiple beautiful pieces of handcrafted art, various gift certificates, and more! Some of the items for sale include two collectible Lladro porcelain figurines from Valencia, Spain, two silver stag head candelabras, a handknitted shawl, two decorated tabletop Christmas trees, two fair trade Bolga baskets from Ghana, a handmade 1940’s era quilt, a crystal cut glass bowl, watercolor paintings, an exquisitely handstitched needlepoint pillow, a Raggedy Ann quilt, a “Yamaha” gift assortment, an antique oak chair with a caned seat, and a signed Murano millefiori glass necklace.

Some of the artistic items have been repurposed such as a rustic hand turned cedar vase made from a fencepost, and vintage wooden water skis transformed into shelves that are now waiting for a potential owner with a lake house themed decorating style! Many of these items would make perfect one-of-a-kind holiday gifts for your friends and family.

The Museum Guild was founded over thirty-eight years ago and today includes more than sixty-five members. This group of museum enthusiasts is dedicated to supporting the museum and always welcomes new members. Don’t hesitate to join and make a difference in your community! Contact the museum for information on how to participate in the Guild.

Holiday House is a tradition enjoyed by many and has grown considerably since its beginnings in 1985. It is a wonderful chance to get a head start on your holiday shopping. All proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the museum and its programs. Tickets for this holiday festivity are $30 per person and are in limited supply so be sure to stop by the museum or contact a Guild member for yours today. Come to this winter wonderland to see what treasures you might find!