Christmas Tree Celebration to Assist Local Nonprofits

Colleen Slater

The Patriotic Service tree, left, was provided by the Key Peninsula Veterans, which will use proceeds to purchase flag poles at Gateway Park. The Under the Sea tree was decorated by the church craft program, which will give proceeds to the church community outreach programs. The community meals program provided the North Woods wreath. Photo: Ed Johnson, KP News

The Key Peninsula Lutheran Church is adding a new event to its annual Christmas bazaar Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., to bring community together and support nonprofits in the area.

Over a dozen Christmas trees decorated by various nonprofit agencies, organizations and churches will be on display. The trees will be auctioned off during the annual Christmas tree celebration and community meal Dec. 3, 4 to 7 p.m. (auction starts at 5:30 p.m.). Proceeds will go to the organization that provided the tree or to a charity of its choosing.

Some of the organizations that will have a tree include the church, the Key Peninsula Veterans, the Bischoff Food Bank, Cub Scouts, Church of the Nazarene and the Key Peninsula Historical Society.

New features this year include a Seahawks table featuring wreaths, clothing, decorations and more Seahawks-related items; “the redneck table,” with handcrafted items and decorations for a country home; the pet table with items for pets, including treats, clothing, beds and toys; a men’s table with handmade toolboxes and various other items; and the art and photography table, with pictures and paintings created by local artists.

The “Scandia” or baked goods table, one of the more popular features from past events, will have a huge assortment of Scandinavian and German treats as well as other homemade items including a wide variety of jams and jellies.

Santa will visit from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for pictures with the young ones.

The Christmas bazaar kicks off with a free breakfast starting at 9 a.m. at McColley Hall, 4213 Lackey Road (junction of Lackey with Key Peninsula highway). Sales start at 9:30. R & J Meats will be on location from 11 a.m. until sold out. Smoked ribs, coleslaw and a creamed cornbread muffin will be offered for $15. Community meals are free but donations are appreciated.