Upside down trees thrive at museum

clocktower062: Clock Tower Holidays
A beautifully decorated, upside down holiday tree was a conversation piece and a gathering point for visitors enjoying the opening night buffet at the Kern County Museum’s Once Upon A Time exhibit.
Strange, wonderful things started happening at the Kern County Museum in Bakersfield shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 16. Visitors who entered the museum's main gallery for the Once Upon A Time exhibit reception, came face-to-face with a tall, upside down pine tree, so beautifully decorated that it seemed natural as a center piece for a buffet amply supplied with delicious hors d'oeuvres. Patrons, who paid $25, were treated to a sneak preview of the designer-decorated holiday trees and wreaths that are on display through Dec. 30.

As visitors toured the long hall filled with trees reaching to its high ceiling, they could be seen craning their necks, stepping back to admire, smiling and sometimes shaking their heads in wonder. That is because every tree had a story to tell. The exhibit theme, Once Upon A Time, inspired local artists and designers to creatively decorate each tree based on a popular children's storybook. Designers have literally turned the world upside down in the center of the gallery with holiday trees turned on their heads to offer a feeling of the Little Mermaid's undersea world. During a leisurely excursion, one can follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Wizard of Oz's Emerald City. Charlotte's Web, Peter Pan's Pirates, the Snow Queen and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland are all imaginatively displayed. Other "can't miss" stops on the tour are the Arabian Nights reading corner and Peter Rabbit's visit to Mr. McGregor's garden. A real stopper is Jack's beanstalk that winds its way from the floor all the way to the ceiling and half way down the hall - all the while, Jack stands at the top surveying the climb ahead.

The evening included food and beverages. A live duet played tranquil, minstrel instrumentals that provided a yesteryear mood to the storybook theme. Visitors also enjoyed viewing a long table filled with dozens of artistically, crafted birdhouses from the museum exhibit, Flight of Fantasy. Several put their names on the silent auction sheet for a chance at winning one.

Many visitors ventured outside at 7 p.m. to see the traditional, annual lighting of the decorated Beale Memorial Clock Tower, signaling the start of Clock Tower Holidays at the museum. Once Upon A Time is the daily signature event. And while reception visitors paid $25, from now until Dec. 30 one only has to pay regular admission prices to see the same tree and wreath artistry.

Other events scheduled for Clock Tower Holidays include:

Lamplight Tours, Dec. 2, 3-8 p.m. - 100 old-fashioned lanterns set the mood for a trip back in time to what the holidays were like when Kern County was first settled. Visit Old West encampments and historic structures led by beautifully costumed docents with strolling minstrels, carolers and bell choirs, plus food and beverages. Admission is $10 for visitors ages 13 years and older and $5 for children ages 3-12. Children younger than three are admitted free.

Cookies at the Clock Tower, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. - A Once Upon a Time wonderland featuring storytellers, dancers and musicians. Visitors can enjoy the museum's delicious cookies and hot beverages. There will be an opportunity drawing with fun prizes. Admission is $5 with children younger than 3 years admitted free. Family packs of 5 tickets can be purchased for $20. Classes will also be available for $3 so visitors can learn how to make special holiday ornaments and crafts.

Nearly Wholesale Sale, Jan. 4, 4:30-7 p.m. - Artistically designed, beautiful tree decorations and wreaths that were part of the Once Upon a Time exhibit and other holiday decor will be on sale in the main gallery. Shoppers can also enjoy complimentary refreshments.

The museum will only be closed Nov. 23 and Dec. 24-25. Visitor hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 12-5 p.m. Sundays. Check the museum Web site, www.kcmuseum.org or call (661) 852-5000 for admission prices. Parking is free.


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