As last-minute responsibilities and obligations jolt your last nerve, maybe you could use something to spark your Christmas cheer. Let us suggest the Parade of Trees, courtesy of the Geneva Lake Museum, 255 Mill St.
It’s joyful. It’s nostalgic. It’s colorful and creative. It’s bright with Christmas lights set amidst the historic exhibits that tell the community’s stories. It’s for adults. It’s for children. It will boot “Bah, Humbug” from your vocabulary.
Oh, and in this much-too-early onslaught of brutal winter weather, it’s toasty warm and cozy indoors. Just what everybody needs to chase away the rush and replace it with childlike anticipation and wonder.
This is the seventh year for Parade of Trees, which has doubled in scope since its inception. We were given the tour by Geneva Lake Museums co-directors, Janet Ewing and Sonja Akright. The ladies leaned into the occasion, decked out in colorful Christmas sweaters.
There are more than 40 Christmas trees on display, designed by businesses and non-profit organizations around the region. The trees are set up throughout the wonderful “Main Street” historic exhibits, blending seamlessly with the collections and feel of the museum. The overall picture transports visitors to another time and place, with a sense of beauty and peace.
“This is small town Americana,” Janet told us. “Something the community has participated in as a group effort. It has become a tradition for so many families.”
Strolling along Main Street, one is struck by the broad variety of designs and the many organizations that took the time and made the effort to enter and intricately decorate
their trees. There are familiar names of businesses and attractions and charitable outfits. The designs are themed, often capturing the spirit of the entrants. Some are guaranteed to
elicit a chuckle, others to pull at one’s heartstrings.
All are elaborate, and it’s fascinating to consider the commitment that goes into creating the final product. Some trees are tall, some are shorter. Some are slender, some are broad.
Some are traditional green, some are sparkling white or shimmering silver. The variety sets the tone for the experience.
Sonja talked about enjoying the reactions of guests. “Bright faces,” she said. “The twinkling lights, it’s a lot of color. There is Christmas music on, and then as they’re going through, even if they’re younger, there are Sesame Street characters, Snoopy characters. There’s something they’re seeing to identify with along with the usual holiday bells and bows.”
History lovers are familiar with the Geneva Lake Museum but, not surprisingly, the special Christmas season Parade of Trees often attracts individuals for their first visit. “People say they have to come back without the kids,” Janet told us with a smile. “When the parade of trees isn’t going on, so they can really dig into the history.”
The event is open through January 5, and operates from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Admission is $12 adults; $10 seniors 60 and up; $5 for students 13-17; and free for kids 12 and under and members of the armed forces. No reservations are necessary. For more information go to the website (genevalakemuseum.
org).
It’s competitive. A traveling trophy goes to the People’s Choice award winner each year. Every visitor receives a ballot to mark in support of a favorite entry. And if one comes back
for a second (or more) tour on another day, there’s another ballot and another vote. Every kid gets to play the Museum’s Eye Spy Christmas Edition game. A sheet of paper has visual representations of certain ornaments placed on trees throughout the display, and youngsters are challenged to find them all.
“We offer stickers as rewards. If you find all the things you come to the front desk and get a sticker,” Sonja explained. “Every little kid, even the 3-year-olds, wants stickers.” Visitors also are encouraged to stop into the Museum’s retail shop, filled with gift ideas and stocking stuffers, along with Museum memorabilia, local history items and other fun things. Best of all, it’s tax-free because of the Museum’s nonprofit status.
The directors are quick to credit community partners for the show. “We owe a lot to all the places that participate,” Janet told us, adding, “And it’s not just Lake Geneva, it’s the entire area.”
They are hopeful the weather cooperates and crowds keep coming – last year set a record with 4,480 patrons, up from 3,370 in 2023 and just 1,330 when Parade of Trees started in 2019. “It was a mild season last year,” Sonja noted. “We’ve already had to close three days because of inclement weather.” Santa, see what you can do with the forecast. This is a great show. A little help, please.
A reader might wonder: Which tree scored the authors’ votes? Stephanie loves the Visit Lake Geneva tree. Spoilsport Bill disqualified it as a conflict of interest. Journalistic
ethics, you know.
