Waldron wonderland is weekend Christmas

Judging by the fake snow drifting from the ceiling to the intimate group of families, the first annual preview party for Christmas at the Waldron seemed to be like walking through a winter wonderland.

The event took place Thursday at the Waldron Arts Center.

Sponsored and led by the Bloomington Area Arts Council and The Beaux Arts Auxiliary, Christmas at the Waldron is a weekend-long winter fundraiser to benefit the BAAC and local non-for-profit organizations.

At the event, guests were guided through an enchanted forest of 15 intricately decorated Christmas trees, all of which were individually sponsored and decorated by nonprofit groups in the Bloomington area.

The trees ranged in size, some sitting on tabletops and others able to fit in a family living room comfortably. Some of the trees also showcased a variety of vibrant colors, ranging from snowflake white to fluorescent pink.

The ornaments on some of the trees displayed local artistic talents such as origami shapes and watercolor paintings.

Those who attended were able to enjoy refreshments such as cinnamon-flavored coffee and chocolate truffles while listening to Christmas carols played by a woman on a harp.

“This event utilized a group of more than 20 volunteers, community donations and sponsorships to create this magical experience at the Waldron,” said Lisa Morrison, vice president of marketing and public relations for the BACC.

The trees will remain on auction throughout the entire Christmas at the Waldron event until its conclusion on Sunday. Proceeds from each of the trees will be divided among the participating sponsors.

“The nonprofit organization that submitted the tree is going to get 50 percent back for the amount that it sold at the auction,” said Michelle Martin-Colman, president of Beaux Arts Auxiliary.

The rest of the weekend has a full schedule of activities.

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be offered daily with limited seating. There will also be caroling from local Girl Scouts, an Elfin magic show by IU student Scott Weingart and a musical performance from Silk Road.

The Christmas at the Waldron weekend has been designed to reach out to all age groups with a variety of events.

“The Mother Daughter tea is definitely for any age,” Martin-Colman said. “This will be formal with china and finger sandwiches just like in the old days.”

Though it is just the first year for the Christmas at the Waldron, Executive Director of the BACC Rob Hanrahansaid he plans to keep it as an annual event in the future.

“The plan is for this to be a joint fundraiser for all the local arts organizations in years to come,” Hanrahan said.

Christmas at the Waldron
Weekend day passes
$5 adults, $2 children
Breakfast events and teas
$10 adults, $5 children