Sign up for Gallery of Trees by Nov. 19

If you're still not sure how quickly time flies, try this on for size. The Douglas County Historical Society's annual Christmas Gala is only three weeks away. It's coming so fast that we have already started decorating the museum and Santa's sleigh.

First, those who want to enter a decorated Christmas tree into our 14th annual Gallery of Trees need to get that application done. Applications are due at the museum by next Friday, Nov. 19. The Gallery of Trees will open on Dec. 4 as a part of the annual Gala. Any person or group can enter a tree. Get your application online or by calling 782-2555. 

On Saturday, Dec. 4, get everyone up and dressed and ready for their photo with Santa. He'll arrive at the museum at 10 a.m. and will be there until mid-afternoon, weather permitting. Santa does stay outside with his sleigh for photographs with your kids, grandkids, even the granddog if he's on a leash. (The dog, not Santa.) Professional photographer Craig Marshall will take the picture and it will be printed and handed to you before you leave.

But don't leave. Be sure to visit the Cookie Walk to buy those Christmas cookies that you really don't want to take time to bake. We've done the work so you can enjoy. Then, tour the Gallery of Trees and vote for your favorites. Each tree will have a container nearby. Vote for all your favorites by putting quarters in the can by the trees of your choice. Then visit the entries in the gingerbread house decorating contest. There is a lot to do and see while your photo is being printed.

Make this event even more special by visiting the Main Street Bookstore to buy those special Christmas presents. We have a couple of suggestions. We have our second annual historic tree ornament on sale for $8. This ornament features the Genoa Courthouse Museum. Collect one for everyone on your list. Also pick your copy of our 2011 annual calendar. This is a limited edition and is available for $10.

Perhaps the most fun gift of all, tickets to our annual melodrama, will be available starting Dec. 4. Grab these quickly because we always sell out and end up having more demand than we have tickets. The performances will be on Friday evening, Feb. 4, Saturday evening, Feb. 5 and Sunday afternoon, Feb. 6.

This year's melodrama is titled "Rolling Down to Gardnerville" and was written by Dave Thomas. It will be produced by John and Mary Stephans and directed by Maggie Allen. All is written, cast and ready to go to rehearsal. There will be some new characters, some surprises and a lot of great laughs. Do not miss this; this is the high point of the entire year.

Information about the Douglas County Historical Society at www.historicnevada.org or the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville at 782-2555. Remember, DCHS and its two museums in Gardnerville and Genoa don't receive any regular state or county funding. It's up to our members and friends to help keep our doors open.

Contact Ellen Caywood at in2my2cats@yahoo.com or 790-1565.