Even a sudden search and rescue call when the U.S. Coast Guard was supposed to drop off Santa Claus at the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay could not stop you from getting the Christmas spirit. Last Saturday kicked off the 10th annual Merry Time Festival of Trees where dozens of trees and other holiday décor items do the museum’s galleries. The museum welcomed not just Santa but Coast Guard families on Saturday while also hosting a number of kids' activities as well. Deputy Director Sam Perlman says at approximately 45 trees, wreaths, and other items that it is the biggest Merry Time Festival of Trees ever. During what is an otherwise quiet time in the county, Perlman adds that it is a great way to reach out to local families and businesses.

While the trees are technically for Santa, Lady Luck can help you bring one of the featured trees home after the Merry Time Festival of Trees concludes in January.  The annual event reaches its high point on December 14th for the Jingle Mixer Gala when the trees and other items are raffled off with all proceeds going to support the mission of the Door County Maritime Museum. 

A LOOK AT JUST SOME OF THE TREES UP FOR VIEWING