Written by Lucia Winkler
The Polk County History Center in Bartow, Florida has been ornamented in stylish reds, greens, and golds. Garlands wind through the rotunda's handrail, topped by bows that wonderfully complement the festive scene. The warm, wintery atmosphere is enlivened by the original plan for the building. Though the snowflake-shaped tiles and "swags", which are painted designs that adorn the museum year-round and resemble draping garlands, were not intended to carry a holiday mood, they seem almost as if they were created exclusively to fit the scene.
The perfect touch to the holiday display is its collection of enchanting wreaths, crafted by local Polk County residents and organizations. This year marks the 15th Annual Festival of Wreaths, a fundraising event for the history center that allows guests to get a head start on decorating their homes for the Christmas season. Local residents can participate in a silent auction, with bids starting at $50 and ranging to $125, to purchase the lovely wreaths while supporting a community museum.
Taking place on Nov. 26 and 29, the display will be further celebrated by the “Merry and Bright Wreath Tours”, which explores their special designs from a historical perspective. The tour’s guide, Jayme Jamison, livens the visitor experience through the tales behind the wreath themes, telling grand stories about the origins of celebrated Christmas traditions.
Elegant, gold wreaths laced with sparkling bows encircled the rotunda. As Jamison described, these decorations were dedicated to the "most extravagant architectural feature of the building". Each wreath exhibition was festive alike, whether it featured traditional or unconventional elements. Some followed a common theme, such as those inspired by nature or favorite carols. Others stood out, associating Christmas with unrelated interests like patriotism and the ocean, yet achieved a certain charm. The variety of wreaths seek to satisfy a range of tastes, beckoning visitors to "deck the halls".
The Festival of Wreaths will last until Dec. 11, accompanied by other festive happenings at the museum. Guests may reserve time in Santa’s study to take pictures with him, taking place on Nov. 21, Dec. 6, and 20. Carols will be performed by Frostproof High School Chorus and Berkley Charter Elementary School Chorus on Dec. 13. The history center will also be participating in “Bartow Shop Local”, a stamp system which gives Polk County patrons an opportunity to win prizes through purchases at community businesses including the museum’s gift shop. The Polk County History Center invites visitors to a holiday experience this season that intertwines local engagement with a sparkling scene, which accompanies the bright downtown Bartow and its merry Main Street.
