30 Years and Counting: The Annual Tree Gala

Big Buzz Blog - November 2024

It’s hard to believe that the Hancock Library System’s holiday tree decorating competition will celebrate its thirtieth year in 2024, and the Library Foundation promises the event will be bigger and better than ever.
 
- By Kevin Cole

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BAY ST. LOUIS (November 26, 2024) - When the doors open at the community branch of the Bay St. Louis Library on Sunday, December 8, it will mark the thirtieth time for the library system to celebrate the holiday season with its display of specially decorated holiday trees. The trees are designed around a specific theme selected each year by the committee of the Library Foundation of Hancock County which has sponsored the December event since 1994.

The theme for this year is “A Claus for Celebration,” reinforcing the importance of both the longevity of the program and emphasizing the importance that the Library Foundation plays in Hancock County communities.
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​Holding to tradition, the Bay St. Louis branch will be the first to kick-off the Holiday Tree Celebration with an open house on Sunday, December 8, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. The afternoon reception will feature Santa photos, the popular ornament scavenger hunt, music, good cheer, and many decorated holiday trees. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. The full schedule is as follows:
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Bay St. Louis Library – Open House, Sunday, December 8, 1-3 pm. Santa photos for families and ornament scavenger hunt begins.
Pearlington Library – Open House, Tuesday, December 10, 6-7:30 pm. Santa photos for families and ornament scavenger hunt.
Waveland Library – Open House, Thursday, December 12, 6-7:30 pm. Santa photos for families and ornament scavenger hunt.
Kiln Library – Open House, Tuesday, December 17, 6-7:30 pm. Santa photos for families and ornament scavenger hunt.
East Hancock / Diamondhead Library – Open House, Thursday, December 19, 6-7:30 pm. Santa photos for families and ornament scavenger hunt.

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“From our research, this is the longest running event of this kind in the state of Mississippi,” declared Dr. Sherry Ponder, current board president for the Library Foundation. “This year marks the thirtieth anniversary for this holiday celebration. The event always features some of the most creative and highly decorated holiday trees you’d ever want to see.”

John Brdecka, executive director for the Hancock County Library System (HCLS) added, “We expect this year’s Holiday Tree Celebration to be among the best ever. Trees are already being installed at each of our five local branches, and response to this year’s event has been exceptional.” In 2023, the HCLS saw more than 140 specially decorated holiday trees grace its facilities, all done by area businesses and local organizations. Prizes are awarded to winning entries, and a “People’s Choice Award” is selected every year.

Brdecka added, “December is a time for the library system to show its appreciation to its patrons and all of those individuals, organizations, and businesses who support its mission throughout the year. The Holiday Tree Celebration recognizes the Library Foundation of Hancock County, which provides the funding that makes this event possible. We hope that as the year ends, people remember to support the Library Foundation through thoughtful donations.”

There is still time for exhibitors to participate, as entries will be accepted until judging takes place. Judging for awards and prizes will take place on Friday, December 6. Persons must contact their local library branch directly for details and registration. Trees can be added after the judging deadline, but late entries will not be eligible for the judging and awards.
For additional information contact any of the five HCLS library branch locations or call 228-467-5282 or online at: https://hcls.info/treegala. 
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