Sponsor, decorate a tree for Christmas at the Fort
Businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to consider sponsoring and decorating a Christmas tree as part of Christmas at the Fort this holiday season. Creative and themed decor will be added to the trees Dec. 3-9, and then they will be lit Dec. 10-Jan. 1.
By Correne Martin
Thanksgiving hasn’t quite arrived yet, but many in the community are already thinking about the sights and sounds of Christmas, including the Fort Crawford Museum in Prairie du Chien.
Twenty-five real Christmas trees will be trimmed with various themes, strung with twinkling lights and sponsored by businesses, organizations and individuals as they so choose. The trees will adorn the wrap-around deck of the Fort Crawford Military Hospital and continue down the steps toward the museum’s visitor center.
“We have some regulars who always support this fundraiser and then, of course, we always have some new sponsors,” said Janet Finn, chairperson of Christmas at the Fort.
Those wishing to decorate a Christmas tree can embellish it any way they like. Trees may be in memory or honor of someone. The only stipulation is that no political or religious themes are allowed. There is a cost involved with the sponsorship.
Interested Christmas at the Fort tree sponsors are encouraged to contact Finn at 326-6010 to reserve a tree.
Decorating of the outside trees can start on Saturday, Dec. 3 and must be finished by Friday, Dec. 9. Then, all 25 of the trees will be lit and brighten the ambience of the serene historical grounds through Jan. 1, 2017.
Decor must be taken off the trees by Jan. 3, so the pines can be put out for the Jaycees’ citywide Christmas tree pickup.
“We’ve been very fortunate every year to have all 25 of the trees sponsored,” Finn noted, adding that sponsors have hailed from as far as Madison and La Crosse, and as close as Wauzeka and mostly Prairie du Chien.
Finn said some of the most darling have included a “Deck the Halls” tree covered in playing cards, as well as trees filled with spinning tops, cookie cutters and coffee cups. Decorators are encouraged to use their imaginations (and the Internet) for inspiration.
All trees are purchased through the Prairie du Chien Fire Department’s Christmas tree sales fundraiser.
“We’ve always gotten the trees from them. We help one another,” Finn said.
This is the 10th year for Christmas at the Fort. All proceeds will go toward programming at the Fort Crawford Museum.
