The Mineral County Medical Foundation held the first annual “Gathering of the Wreaths” on Saturday. A decorated cardboard gingerbread house on the 4-H building’s door beckoned individuals inside to a Christmas themed showing.

With free apple  cider, cookies and candy, 16 wreaths and one tree were displayed throughout the building. The event is an annual fundraiser for the foundation.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” Maggie Dahl, foundation member, asked visitors as they came in from the cold.

Hung about the walls, no wreath was the same. The kids involved with shooting sports made a shooting themed wreath, while one wreath hanging up was packed full of Christmas-themed goodies and assortments. Others had traditional colors, while some wreaths were brightly colored. Some were very simply done with ribbon and ornaments, while others were very intricate. The tree was decorated with tiny real gingerbread house ornaments.

“This is the first time we’ve held a reception,” Dahl said. “We thought it’d be nice to get them together in one place for people to look at them. Sometimes, you can’t tell just what they look like by the pictures alone.”

The foundation is selling raffle tickets. People who buy tickets get to decide what wreath they would like to enter for a chance to win. Ticket buyers also therefore vote for their favorites.  The winning decorator wins $50, plus the fame that comes along with being the best holiday decorator in Mineral County.

“If people like one of the wreaths they can purchase their ticket for that exact wreath,” Dahl said. “They can take a chance on the one they want.”

By looking through the 16 wreaths that are on display, you can see how much work the decorators put into them. Groups or volunteers who offer to decorate the wreaths and trees are provided with their canvas free of charge. The decorator provided the ornaments, ribbons and other items they wished to use to decorate their wreath or tree. The wreaths this year were a bit smaller and thus less expensive for the volunteers to decorate.

Dahl said that it was fun for the group to get together and decorate the inside of the 4-H building. When asked what her favorite wreath was she indicated that she really liked the wreath that the kids had done with the shooting sports themes, but also pointed to a couple others.

And if you weren’t in the Christmas spirit, one visit to the wreath event would have put you in the mood to go caroling.

“It’s fun to be getting into the spirit,” Dahl said. “Everyone did such a great job of decorating their wreath or tree. They put a lot of hard work into it and creativity.”

Maureen Bullock, also from the foundation, said that it is always fun to see “the crafty and clever decorating ideas.”

Bullock added that they greatly appreciate everyone who chose to decorate a wreath this year and in years past. The money raised will go towards equipment for a new orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Alyea. Dr. Alyea has operated a successful practice in the Spokane area for numerous years and is anxious to begin spending more time in his new home in St. Regis. 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming him to our outstanding Mineral Community Hospital staff,” Bullock said.

Dahl said on Saturday they had sold about $100 worth of tickets so far. Tickets will be on sale until December 6. The drawing will be held at the hospital.

If you want to buy some tickets contact one of the foundation members. For more information, you can contact Bullock by emailing her at [email protected] or call her at 649-7066. Once again, the wreaths will also be displayed at area businesses and may be selling the raffle tickets as well.