The following article was written by Thomas Kelly.
With November fast approaching and Thanksgiving on the horizon, it always seems to be the case that our obligations to holiday-associated activities are never in short supply. Nay, once Christmas and the New Year roll around, I often feel that I am stretched beyond limits—like I'm strapped to some festive medieval torture device! With so many choices, it can be difficult to choose between friends and family.
Myself, I always choose "fun," whatever option that may be (though I will leave my precise ideas of “fun” strictly out-of-print). I'm always looking for a good excuse to avoid the drudgeries of family get-togethers and the near-nauseating effects of company holiday parties. If I can throw a few knock-out cocktail parties on my calendar through December (and knock off a few other less-than-savory options), I consider that a personal triumph.
To ensure victory, I begin my plotting right about now, usually by dreaming up my own soirée. This year, however, I already have something else penned (not penciled!) into my datebook—a little happening I heard was going down at Manitowoc Public Library on Saturday, December 10 (yes, I know, but trust me—this is going to be good). Consider this your own personal invitation to a shindig they’re calling “Evergleamaganza! An Evergleam Extravaganza”.
Now, I've heard from sources "in-the-know" that this thing is going to be a blowout celebration: a cocktail party straight out of the swinging '60s that I, for one, am certainly not going to miss. Nestled in among the usual dazzling aluminum forest of Evergleam trees, guests will be treated to live jazz by none other than The Crowned Imperials. There will be an assortment of select wines, beer brewed by Manitowoc's very own PetSkull Brewing, and en-pointe hors d'oeuvres and mocktails whipped-up by Courthouse Pub. It's a fundraising event that is sure to be a blast and it benefits both Friends of Manitowoc Public Library AND Manitowoc Aluminum Kitsch-mas Inc, the non-profit that puts on “Evergleams on Eighth” every year.
Another exclusive tidbit: I also heard that they're going to be auctioning-off a few real-deal vintage Evergleam trees during the Evergleamaganza solely to those in attendance during that evening’s activities!
Additionally—and perhaps most sparklingly—the Evergleams on Eighth team will be unveiling a very special tree that has returned to Manitowoc (a 14-foot custom-made beauty that had only previously been on display at an automotive supply store in Kansas).
What else? There will be a private trolley tour offered to Evergleamaganzanaires for an additional fee and we'll be bumping shoulders with Evergleam collectors and celebrities, including author of “The Evergleam Book” himself, Mr. Theron Georges. And since I'll be there, too, you simply must attend! It's guaranteed to be swell, so get it on your calendar now . . . and give everyone else your regrets that you're just tied up on The Tenth.
Evergleamaganza! will be held on Saturday, December 10, 6-9 PM at Manitowoc Public Library (707 Quay Street). Tickets start at $50, and are available now at evergleams.org/shop.
