Museum Opens Festival of Trees November 21

The Dubois County Museum officially opens the holiday season at 2704 N. Newton Street in Jasper. It will have a special nighttime opening on Thursday, November 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., when the 2024 Festival of Trees will be unveiled. 

Over 48 trees have been decorated by museum volunteers, non-profit and service organization volunteers and dedicated people from our Hall of Murals community volunteers to present a spectacular array of Christmas ideas. 

The communities of Dubois County have decorated trees again to showcase their wonderful communities. Being represented (in the order of placement around the room) are Birdseye  (a tribute to Deb Ernst and her 35 years operating Deb’s Truck Stop), Huntingburg (gnome place like Huntingburg), Dubois (wearing the blue and silver of Jeep Land), Jasper (saluting water and gas departments), Zoar (winter white and gold), Columbia Township (nature and fishing), Haysville (baking gingerbread), Schnellville (Looking for Santa) Celestine (Christmas in Celestine), Portersville (tomatoes and special spots), Ireland (Shamrock tomato Cannery Days), Holland (businesses and nonprofits from Holland), St. Henry-Johnsburg (community-Christmas memories), Ferdinand (Fun Library Times), Duff (community), and St. Anthony-St. Marks (Spotlighting St. Anthony Fire Department). 

Other trees are displayed around the museum and have been decorated by museum volunteers. Food and refreshments of sweet treats, ice cream and hot cocoa will be served this evening. Decorators are invited to be on hand to share their tree’s theme. Admission is Free.

Nonprofits and service organizations participating this year also include Sister Cities of Jasper (photos of students and culinary trip 2024), Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Knights of Columbus Jasper #1584, Rotary Club with ATHENA, Actors Community Theatre, local Artisans, Living Hope Baptist Church, American Legion Jasper Post 147, Daughters of American Revolution (DAR), Purdue Extension Dubois County, Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority/ Beta Gamma Chapter Teachers Sorority, Precious Blood Catholic Church Quilters, Junior Achievement, and Jasper Lions Club.

The public is invited to come to view the trees and the many other decorations set out by the museum staff, such as the Hummel figurines donated by Don and Mae Metzger, a Precious Memories collection, and the Santa figurines donated by Kay Smock. 

The public is invited to vote for their favorite decorated trees. A ballot is available at the Hollman-Sendelweck Welcome Area desk. Voting will continue till December 19. A reception will be held that evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to enjoy the season and announce the winners of the contest. 

Winners receive chocolates.