First place and Best of Show gingerbread contest award was won by ‘Hometown Giving’ by the Petter Family at the annual Carson Valley Museum
Photo by Sarah Drinkwine.
Memories of Snowshoe Thompson, Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol and handcrafted ornaments decorate the dozen Christmas trees on display at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center.
In its 25th annual Gallery of Trees, the museum invited families, businesses and organizations to decorate Christmas trees during the season.
“Everyone has a good time putting the trees together right here in the museum,” said museum President Linda Lechlen. “It’s always a fun time and such beautiful creations from our community.”
Entries in the Gallery of Trees include Empty Bowls of Douglas County “Ending Hunger One Bowl at a time,” Douglas County Republic Women’s dedication to First Responders, Douglas County Democrat Women’s “Blue Kindness,” woodturners, quilt guild, the Santa tree, and more.
Aside from the festive tree displays, a village of gingerbread houses capture the talent and culture of Douglas County during the museum’s 17th annual gingerbread house decorating contest.
From the “Olde Time” house to the “Sleep in Heavenly Peace,” creation, each entry displayed the history and spirit of the Carson Valley in a unique way.
“We have had some entries that would exceed what you see by big time builders on television or in magazines,” said the museum’s Past President Dennis Little. “We have some very talented artists here in our community and I’m sure we will have more on many more occasions.”
The Gallery of Trees and the gingerbread houses are just one way the Carson Valley and Cultural Center promotes the museum.
“The museum is just always looking for ways to promote the community and bring it together,” said Little. “Our mission is to promote community culture and the gingerbread houses and trees have always been a family fun holiday tradition that captures that.”
The gingerbread winners have already been announced, but voting for the Gallery of Trees continues to Dec. 31 until 3 p.m.
The Carson Valley Museum and Cultural center preserves and promotes local history.
“We’re thrilled even through all the limitations of COVID, we always have people coming in,” said Lechlen. “We’re so fortunate to have our pioneer families who give time and donations, whether it’s display items, monetary or visitations.”
The museum is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Lechlen said volunteers are always welcome. For information visit www.historicnv.com or call 782-2555. The Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center is located at 1479 Main St., Gardnerville.
