Everyone invited to Wasioja Christmas on Dec. 8

Preparations are underway for Christmas events in historic Wasioja on Sunday, Dec. 8.
The Wasioja Creamery will be decked in seasonal beauty with several Christmas trees, downstairs and upstairs, for an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Live music will be provided by the Wildwood Flowers, who entertained last year. Plans are in place for Richard Staub, Dodge County’s 101-year-old World War II veteran to be on hand to sit and reminisce with visitors.
The Creamery is privately owned by Jean Bartel, president of the Dodge County Historical Society. Christmas is Jean’s favorite time of the year, and it fits well with another of Jean’s favorites: baking. Both play an important part in Wasioja’s celebration. Baked treats will be available to guests, with boxed, homemade Christmas cookies for sale.
“Our decorations are associated with decking the halls,” Jean said, “and trimming the trees is reminiscent of bygone times. But we also have new playful decorations to make us smile.” Jean enjoys sharing the Christmas customs with visitors, and said she appreciates the friends who volunteer their time and energy with baking and decorating.
Historical Society secretary Lois Hancock agrees. “I appreciate the hard work of our volunteers to help spread Christmas across the Creamery as well as help with the dozens of cookies and kransekake we sell and serve our guests.” The event is a fundraiser to bring finances into the nonprofit organization so they can continue to fulfill their mission of preserving and sharing our local history.
The candlelight Christmas service at the historic Wasioja Church will follow the Creamery open house. Local pianist Levi Livingood will be at the newly tuned piano in the church at 5 p.m., playing familiar carols for people to enjoy or sing along, and the service will begin at 6 p.m. Dodge Center Pastor Dale Rood will be on hand to share an inspirational Christmas message.
The public is cordially invited to both of these events.