27th Annual Festival of Trees
The Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History will be abuzz with holiday activity with the start of the Festival of Trees, the grand re-opening of The Museum Store and much more.
The event kicks off with a fun-for-all decorating party from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, where people have been known to burst into song while decorating their trees. Area youth and adult groups, including Scouts, 4-H, crafting groups and other non-profit organizations, decorate trees representing their groups.
New this year, area businesses can join in on the fun by contributing a wreath to be hung for all to see during the festival.
“With over 60 trees throughout the museum, they really add a festive touch and fill the museum like a forest,” said Drew Ceperley, director of marketing and development for the museum. “Visitors will enjoy seeing the new trees and the old favorites such as the tree from the China Bells.”
During the decorating party, The Museum Store will hold an Open House to celebrate its grand re-opening in its new location with new hours. Shoppers will receive 10% off everything in the store (some exclusions apply). The store features pottery, wind chimes, jewelry, Kool-Aid items, educational toys, film DVDs and soundtracks, books by local authors and gifts for all ages. The Hastings Museum Cookbook is also available as well as gift certificates.
 Saturday, November 21 is also the start of the Food Drive Challenge competition between the Hastings Museum and the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island. Participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to the museum when they come to set up their tree. Last year, the Hastings Museum raised 2,607 pounds for the local food pantry, defeating the Stuhr Museum by more than 500 pounds.
The J.M. McDonald Planetarium will premiere the new fulldome show, Season of Light, during the decorating party. The show ties together the themes of Christmas – evergreens, light and Santa Claus, among many others – in a way that anyone can understand and appreciate. Season of Light will show Saturday at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m., Sunday at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. and Tuesday – Friday at 2:00 p.m. through January 3, 2010.
Visitors can view the trees and wreaths beginning November 21 through January 1, 2010 with regular admission or museum membership. For more information, please call Visitor Services at 402-461-4629 or 1-800-508-4629.
If your group would like to participate in the Festival of Trees, please click to go to the signup page.
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