Historical Society hosts Holiday Gala

The Douglas County Historical Society invites the community to their 2023 Holiday Gala 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center, 1477 Main St., Gardnerville. Admission is free.

This annual event invites visitors to peruse a winter wonderland of Christmas trees decorated by community organizations throughout the Carson Valley. Entries into the 19th annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest are nestled amongst the festive forest, and visitors can vote for their favorite builds through Dec. 16. Applications to enter the contest are available at DCHS@HistoricNV.org, or at the museum’s front office, and there’s no cost to enter.

Handmade cookies from Santa’s cookie shop will be available from 10 a.m. until they’re gone. Santa will be meandering through the Gallery of Trees; bring a camera and snap a selfie or family shot with the big guy himself. And Santa’s gift-giving starts early this year; anyone who presents him with a hand drawn holiday picture (8.5x11 using pencil, ink, or crayon) receives a mystery gift bag.

Museum bookstore purchases are 10-percent off throughout the month of December. Join the DCHS and that discount increases to 20 percent.

The museum’s location makes it a prime spot for watching the Parade of Lights, which starts 5 p.m. Saturday. Visitors are invited to bring a camp chair and join DCHS on the front lawn for a parade-watching party.

For more information, visit www.HistoricNV.org or call 775-782-2555.

Elks host craft fair

The Tahoe-Douglas Elks host their first-ever Christmas craft fair 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Lodge, 1227 Kimmerling Road, in the Gardnerville Ranchos.

More than 20 vendors will be on hand to showcase their wares, and a raffle will be held every 15 minutes starting at noon and ending at 3 p.m. Tickets are six for $5, 13 for $10, and 20 for $15; must be present to win.

All ages are welcome with an entry fee of $2 for those age 16 and above. The entry fee is waived with 2 cans of food per person, and all cans collected will go to the Carson Valley Community Food Closet. Santa will be at the door to greet children with candy canes. Families are welcome to take their own photo with Santa, and donations for photos will be accepted as part of this charity fundraising event.

“Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, by undertaking projects that address their immediate needs, and by honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans.” Locally, the Elks are committed to supporting programs that benefit seniors, veterans, and youth throughout Douglas County. Find more information about the Tahoe-Douglas Elks Lodge #2670 at tahoedouglaselks.org.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.