While Thanksgiving is just around the corner, the McLeod County History Museum is pulling out the stops for its second annual Christmas party 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1. It features live music, visits with Santa Claus, treats, decorated trees and more. And if you’re lucky enough to be among the first 100 guests, you’ll get a free elf hat.
Brian Haines, executive director, talks with Kay Johnson about the event in this week’s More to the Story column.
What can people look forward to at the Dec. 1 Christmas event? What are you most looking forward to?
Last Year’s event was an absolute success. Being it was the first of its kind, we didn’t really know what to expect. The doors opened at 6:30, and by 7 p.m., we realized we had a hit in the making. Overall, about 250 guests came that night and it ended up being one of the best times I’d ever had in a museum. We had live music, snacks, Christmas beverages, Santa Claus, photos, and the museum was decked out in full holiday regalia. To top it off, we lit up a 10 foot Christmas tree in the back room where the band was playing. At the end of the event, one guest came up to me and said “That was just awesome, we’ve never had an event like that. Do it again!” This year we’ll have the Mid --Minnesota Concert Band playing, as well as Hutchinson’s Victorian Singers caroling by firelight at the museum entrance. In addition, we’ll decorate the museum again, and Hutchinson’s very own Santa Claus will be on site for the kiddos to chat with. I’ve heard great things about the Hutch Santa, and many reading this might know him personally. We’ll also have a professional photographer on hand to snap some photos of the kids with Santa and parents can order prints afterward. All in all, it should be another memorable night.
As much fun as the Christmas event was last year, the real question is ... did it fulfill its purpose of raising money for the museum?
Each year we send out a little Christmas mailer asking for donations. Part of the reason that we hold this event is to go hand in hand with those mailers. I think people are far more giving when you give them, and others, something in return. Basically, this Christmas event is our gift to donors — something that they can look forward to for giving a donation. Last year we raised about $5,000 for the event. That being said, a donation isn’t required to attend. The event is 100% free for anyone who wishes to come and kick off the holiday season.
The museum used to do a variety of fundraisers. I understand you’re now doing two fundraisers a year — the Christmas event and the Whoopee Fest in May. Why and how has it worked out so far?
Those who are involved in nonprofit organizations know all too well the struggles of trying to raise money, and although MCHS has seen some great success over the past few years, we still have to go out there and raise funds to keep the museum open to the public. As far as hosting two rather than multiple events, I guess it comes down to two schools of thought. You can hold multiple, smaller, fundraising events throughout the year to reach your financial goals, or you can hold two large scale fundraising events to reach those same goals. I prefer the latter — doing so allows us to put more concentration on things like museum attendance, memberships and exhibits. Switching to two big events has done well for us. We’ve found that people seem to be more giving if they are attending an event/fundraiser that makes a bigger splash and leaves a lasting impression.
Anything else happening folks should look forward to?
For those interested in genealogy, MCHS is planning to revive the genealogy group in 2023 and we’ll be announcing dates soon. Also, we’ll be continuing our monthly writing group as well as our “breakfast club” meetings.
Any last minute thoughts?
Anyone who attended Whoopee Fest will remember that I tricked the Board of Directors into standing in front of the band and doing the Chicken Dance. To get back at me, Pat Engleman, the board president, bought a Buddy, the elf, costume, and they instructed me to wear it at the Christmas event. It’s in my office, and I look at it each day, but I haven’t committed to wearing it yet ... .
— Brian Haines who was interviewed in this column serves as the executive director of the McLeod County Historical Society and Museum, 380 School Road N.W., Hutchinson. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday an.d by appointment. Admission is free. For more information, call the museum at 320-587-2109
