Talk of the Town
|
Clock Tree, 2011 Best of Show by Vicki Niolet, photo by Joe Tomasovsky
|
It may be a holiday happening, but it’s also a milestone birthday party: On Sunday, December 7th, the Hancock County Library will light up the afternoon with its 20th anniversary Holiday Tree Gala. Everyone’s invited to the celebration, which takes place from 1-4pm at the library in Bay St. Louis (312 Highway 90).
For the past twenty holiday seasons, local businesses, artists and organizations have been invited to decorate and display a tree at the library. The trees are judged and given awards in categories like Most Whimsical, Best Use of Color and Best Use of Theme. Over the decades, the competition has become fierce in a friendly sort of way and even placing in the contest is deemed an honor to be envied. |
Upside Down Tree, Best of Show 2013, by Ashman Mollere Realty
|
This year, over fifty trees have been entered and will be on display during the entire month of December. The trees are “unveiled” to the public during the gala, with attendees voting for People’s Choice Awards. The gala also features an appearance by Santa, refreshments and music by the Old Town Children’s Ukulele Chorus (at 1:30 pm) and the South Hancock Elementary Children’s Choir (2:30 pm). To keep children from getting antsy while they’re waiting in line for Santa, art and coloring projects will be available.
Meanwhile, in the Seal Meeting Room, the Bay-Waveland Garden Club will be showcasing a special flower show during the gala, Sharing the Beauty and Joy of Nature at Christmas. Hanukkah, the Jewish celebration that begins at sundown on December 16, will also be represented in the display case at the Bay St. Louis-Hancock County Library through the end of December. |
Courtney Thomas, Executive Director of the Hancock County Library System says that often library visitors want to purchase the trees on display. This year, for the first time, patrons and gala attendees will be able to bid on one of three trees, decorated by local designers. Each tree will be a different size:
The trees to be auction will only be on display during the Benefactor’s Party (by invitation only to library donors over the past year) on December 6th and during the gala on Sunday. Auction winners will be announced at 3pm during the gala and proceeds will go to the Library Foundation.
Thomas points out that at a time when most libraries go into hibernation mode for the holiday season, the Hancock system kicks into high gear.
“The Tree Gala is our signature event,” Thomas says. “ We look at this as the kick-off to holiday events in Hancock County. It’s our way of giving back to the community.”
Thomas says that the tree gala highlights the creativity of the community.
“We’ve had trees made of clocks and suitcases and even books! Last year, the winner was an upside-down tree.”
According to Thomas, two other new features will be launched during the anniversary gala. A “Children’s Choice” award has been added to the prize line-up, so children as well as adults will be able to vote for their favorite tree on Sunday. And two “Community Trees” will be on display throughout the month, decorated with paper ornaments, each bearing a library benefactor’s wishes for the community.
“Libraries are at the heart of any community – a place where people get information, get involved with educational programs and use computers,” says Thomas. “We have great support from this community and they take great pride in decorating their library this way each year. We want this event to be a source of pride for another twenty years.”
- Six-foot tree sponsored by Dear Designs, decorated by Deidre Dear
- Nine-foot tree sponsored by Hancock Bank, decorated by Stephanie Cuevas Johnson and Yuki Northington
- Twelve-foot tree sponsored by John McDonald Realty and decorated by Glenn Hood and Chuck Underwood
The trees to be auction will only be on display during the Benefactor’s Party (by invitation only to library donors over the past year) on December 6th and during the gala on Sunday. Auction winners will be announced at 3pm during the gala and proceeds will go to the Library Foundation.
Thomas points out that at a time when most libraries go into hibernation mode for the holiday season, the Hancock system kicks into high gear.
“The Tree Gala is our signature event,” Thomas says. “ We look at this as the kick-off to holiday events in Hancock County. It’s our way of giving back to the community.”
Thomas says that the tree gala highlights the creativity of the community.
“We’ve had trees made of clocks and suitcases and even books! Last year, the winner was an upside-down tree.”
According to Thomas, two other new features will be launched during the anniversary gala. A “Children’s Choice” award has been added to the prize line-up, so children as well as adults will be able to vote for their favorite tree on Sunday. And two “Community Trees” will be on display throughout the month, decorated with paper ornaments, each bearing a library benefactor’s wishes for the community.
“Libraries are at the heart of any community – a place where people get information, get involved with educational programs and use computers,” says Thomas. “We have great support from this community and they take great pride in decorating their library this way each year. We want this event to be a source of pride for another twenty years.”
2012 Winners from Cleaver archives
Talk of the Town
is sponsored by
Purple Banana Yogurt
Cool Ornament Guide!
For your own tree or as a hostess gift, these are some of the very cool ornaments we've spotted at local merchants!
Bay Emporium
112 S. Second Street
Bay St. Louis
Don't miss Bay Emporium's Open House on Thurs., Dec. 18th from 5-7pm. These Soldered Glass Ornaments handmade from vintage postcard images of Coastal scenes are $18 each
French Potager
213 Main Street
Bay St. Louis
An incredible selection of vintage ornaments including blown glass. Read owner Martha Whitney Butler's article about vintage decorations here!
Lawson Studio
406 Blaize Ave
Bay St Louis
Some super elegant ornaments to choose from, all surprisingly priced on the happy side. Make for great hostess gifts! Stop into the Lawson's open house on Saturday the 6th from 4-7pm!
Social Chair
201 Main Street
Bay St. Lous
Owner Yuki Northington makes her shop Holiday Heaven every year. Look for Made in Mississippi ornaments for $7.
Twin Light
136 Main Street
Bay St. Louis
Yard art paradise. In addition to having awesome holiday decor for your yard, you'll find nifty ornaments like the one below ($15)
|
|
It's free! You'll get ONE email each month when the new issue is posted.
|
