MISTLETOE BALL GRAND FINALE

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Fabulous Auction

This year’s Annual Mistletoe Ball will be bittersweet, as it will be the last of a grand tradition begun 31 years ago.  Sponsored by the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society, the Saturday, December 1 event will feature a dessert and dance at historic Turner Hall from 7:30 to 10:30pm.

“The Mistletoe Ball has seen many evolutions over the years,” said Nancy Breed, executive director of the Historical Society.  “Recent year’s full orchestra, catered dinner events have seen a decline in attendance, so the committee decided it was time to bid a fond farewell to an old friend.  December is always a difficult time to hold an event due to weather concerns.  We are looking at some exciting new ideas for a more inclusive event next summer.”   

As this year’s event does not include dinner, ball-goers are encouraged dine at one of several fine Galena restaurants offering a free shuttle to the event.  Or you can park at the Old Train Depot and catch the free shuttle from there. 

The popular Fever River String Band will have the honor of playing the last Mistletoe dance this year, filling the seasonally-decorated hall with a mix of contemporary and period dance music. 

Scrumptious holiday desserts catered by Fried Green Tomatoes will be a welcome interlude to dancing.  A cash bar will be available, including a specialty concoction entitled the Mistletoe Martini.

A live auction of five high-value items will create excitement during the festive evening. Wonderful offering such as a two-day Mississippi River Cruise on the Twilight and a gourmet Scandanavian dinner for eight are sure to be hotly contested.   

Two 40-minute sessions of period dance during the Ball will be aided by an optional afternoon dance lesson.  From 1 to 2:30 p.m., also at Turner Hall, a dance mistress will provide instruction for two simple dances that will be used at the Ball.  Ball ticket holders will be charged $2 per person for the class; $5 to the public.  No reservations necessary for the afternoon instruction.

Tickets for the Mistletoe Ball dessert and dance are $35 per person and may be purchased on a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover by calling 815-777-9129, or by sending a check payable to the Galena Historical Society at 211 S. Bench St., Galena IL 61036.  Period dress and holiday attire are both appropriate.  Reservations are encouraged. 

For more details about the elegant grand final of the Mistletoe Ball hosted by the Galena - Jo Daviess County Historical Society, visit www.galenahistorymuseum.org or call 815-777-9129. 

 

   

All photos taken by George Bookless