Merced museum decks the halls for Christmas

An annual holiday tradition at the Merced County Courthouse Museum is set to begin Sunday.

This year marks the 31st Christmas tree exhibit at the museum, which will feature more than 65 decorated pines and firs. The museum has had groups come in to adorn trees since 1984, according to museum staff.

The museum plans an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the museum, at 21st and N streets.

Leigh-Ann Thornhill, the president of the Merced Needle Arts Guild, was decorating the guild’s tree on the second floor of the museum on Monday.

She hung knitted or crocheted owls, pine cones, acorns and other decorations from the woodland-themed tree. She said the group has participated in the exhibit for two years to show off their craft.

“We’re really small: We’re only 20 members right now,” she said. “But we’re growing.”

Putting a few finishing touches on her group’s tree on Wednesday was Gloria Conlin, a member of the Le Grand Garden Club. She placed a wrapped present at the foot of a tree on the third floor already covered with handmade ornaments.

There were sticks laid to look like a tiny tree, dried persimmon ornaments, birdseed shaped like stars, wine cork reindeer and other decorations.

“We get together one morning and make ornaments and come down and put the tree up,” she said.

Also decorating a tree were several clients from the Central Valley Training Center’s Merced County satellite office, which works with developmentally delayed adults.

Museum Executive Director Sarah Lim said staff and community groups have used trees, garland, toys, figurines and Christmas music to turn “our historic courthouse into a winter wonderland.” The trees display a range of themes, such as family, friendship, animals, patriotism, hope, faith, art, culture and many others.

“This is our biggest exhibit of the year and the biggest Christmas tree exhibit in Merced County,” she said.

Performing at the open house are Central Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir, Caitlin’s Suzuki Violin Studio, Harmony Valley Chorus, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School Christmas Choir, Cruickshank Middle School Tiger Choir and Golden Valley High School Jazz Ensemble.

The trees are scheduled to be up through Dec. 30. For more on the museum, go to www.mercedmuseum.org.

For more on the guild, go to mercedneedleartsguild.weebly.com. For more on the training center, go to cvtcinc.com.

This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 4:23 PM with the headline "Merced museum decks the halls for Christmas."