The Winnemucca Host Lion’s Club held its annual quartet of Christmas-themed fundraisers over the weekend at the Winnemucca Convention Center.
Kids started out the string of events by taking tea with Mrs. Claus. Coloring pages, games and a photo op with Santa and Mrs. Claus gave kids time to chat with Santa’s leading lady. Kids could also write letters to Santa to deposit in his mailbox. Subway donated sandwich rollups and Pizza Hut donated Cinnamon Sticks for the afternoon.
Businesses and groups around Humboldt County showcased their tree-trimming talent for the Festival of Trees. This year’s theme was Christmas Around the World, and tree decorators didn’t disappoint. Trees featured music, food and even caution tape!
Some trees focused on one section of the world, like Winnemucca Domestic Violence Support’s Scandinavian Christmas tree and some included holiday messages in different languages.
Attendees voted for their favorite trees. This year, Century 21 took home the first place prize. Stor-All scored second place and Big R earned third place.
A silent auction offered the chance to take a favorite tree home. Some crafty souls also donated wreaths, quilts and a bench, painted by Teddy Swecker, to auction off for the cause.
Photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus didn’t end with the kids. This year, Santa and Mrs. Claus shared the stage with Humboldt County’s furry friends as well, with Santa Paws. Canines and felines in their best holiday getups posed with Santa and Mrs. Claus with varying levels of enthusiasm. One group of pups even brought their own sleigh, pulled by a willing black lab.
The title of Most Christmas-y Pet went to a husky this year. A calico kitty cuddled up to second place and a well-dressed Yorkshire terrier trotted off with third place.
Though Lions Club took some pet pics with the Christmas couple last year, this is the first year they set aside time specifically for furry family members, Mrs. Claus explained. Eager pups and frazzled felines don’t behave normally in these circumstances, so Mr. and Mrs. Claus had to soothe and redirect a bit before the camera could capture the moment.
On Saturday morning, kids rounded out the weekend’s activities with a pancake breakfast with Santa. Kids wore their pajamas for ultimate comfort while they pigged out on pancakes and sausage provided by Model T.
Funds raised by these events support the Lions Club’s eye programs. Winnemucca Host Lions Club helps local residents pay for much-needed eye care like exams and surgeries.
