Fair Oaks Lodge Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation will host the 19th annual Old Fashioned Christmas from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4 at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena. Fair Oaks Lodge is on Shady Lane Drive, just off of County Road 4 next to Sunnybrook Park.
The Old Fashioned Christmas is open to the public with special invitations to Fair Oaks Lodge residents, families, staff and friends. There will be sleigh rides, face painting, crafts, live music and children's entertainment. Santa and Mrs. Clause will be making an appearance and kids can have their picture taken with the honored guests from the North Pole. Guests can also decorate cookies and enjoy the goodies and refreshments. The event is free and everyone is invited to attend.
"I am looking forward to my first Old Fashioned Christmas at Fair Oaks Lodge. It will be a wonderful event to share the joy of the holiday season with our extended family. I invite everyone to come and enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas with us," said Roberta Cline, Fair Oaks Lodge administrator.
The Old Fashioned Christmas started in 1991 when staff members wanted to find a way to make Christmas a more enjoyable time for residents and staff. The ideas were plentiful and staff began to plan an event to make it a very special Christmas. The staff would get together after work and make and paint the outside decorations, bake goodies for the party and help decorate the facility inside and out. Residents were encouraged to help decorate and would often reminisce and share stories of their favorite Christmas memories.
The inaugural party was a success -- with craft stations set up to make a craft to take home or share with a resident, sleigh rides, and Christmas goodies and refreshments for all. The traditions have continued throughout the years and staff, residents and volunteers continue to help with party preparations, decorations and entertainment.
