November is a busy time in “The City of Go,” with several events planned for the community. Here’s just some of the activities:
PollyAnna’s is offering a “Pay it Forward” event on Saturday, Nov. 7 from noon to 5 p.m. It is open to all active duty or retired military members and their spouses. Participants will paint a patriotic door hanger for free. Supplies will be furnished, and you don’t have to be an artist to create the hanger. “Amateurs are welcome,” says the owner, Polly Lawrence.
To reserve your spot, you must call Lawrence at 309-883-1655 by the Nov. 7, or email her at pollyanna64create@gmail.com.
Mary’s Lounge and Restaurant is hosting its annual Chili Cookoff on Sunday, Nov. 8 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. No entry fee is required, but it is necessary to call ahead to enter the contest. Judging will begin at 2 p.m., with a live auction at 2:30 p.m. There’s a small fee for enjoying a bowl, with all proceeds benefiting the Galva Emergency Food Pantry.
Those interested in participating in the Cookoff are asked to call 309-932-2277 to reserve a spot.
The Galva Kiwanis Club is hosting a Whiskey Tasting on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Galva Arts Council building. Only those 21 and older will be allowed to partake. The fee is $35 and will benefit the many programs that the Galva group sponsors. Their Facebook post says, “Come for spirits, fellowship and support for our programs.”
A limited number of tickets are available for $35 and can be reserved by calling 309-540-8690.
The Arts Council announces its annual Mini Tree Festival, to take place on Nov. 30, during Galva’s Old Fashioned Christmas celebration. Winners will be announced at the evening’s Coffee House.
According to the Council members, individuals and groups may decorate their choice of a wreath or mini tree in any way they want. The decorations do not have to be Christmas or holiday themed. Past themes include “Laundry Time,” “Merry Dogmas,” “A Walk in the Woods,” “Sweet Christmas,” and “Under the Big Top.” Lighted entries are encouraged but not required.
The volunteers donate the decorations they use and return the wreaths and trees to the Arts Council for the Nov. 30 drawing.
The Arts Council invites everyone to attend the Ol’ Fashioned Christmas on Nov. 30 to see the wreaths and trees displayed. Purchase tickets for your chance to take home a decorated wreath or tree. The cost is $1 for one ticket or $5 for six tickets.
Proceeds from the ticket sales go to continuing Galva Arts Council traditions such as the Ol’ Fashioned Christmas, Coffee Houses, and other events and workshops that promote the arts in the Galva community.
Arts Council programs are partially funded with a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Annual memberships and monetary donations also help to support their projects.
Those wanting to enter can pick up wreaths and mini trees for free, with larger trees costing $5. All are available for pick up at Special Kneads Bakery at 326 Front St., Galva, and must be returned there by Nov. 23. The bakery’s hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Alternate arrangements for pick-up or delivery may be made by emailing galvaarts@gmail.com.
