Heading for the Yule Walk page

The Symphony Yule Walk will follow the December 6, 2009 concert. It will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. The tour will include four unique historic landmarks in Fort Dodge. Tickets are $10.00 in advance at the following locations: Becker Florists, Earl May (Crossroads) and Party Productions. Tickets will be available for $12.00 on the day of the Yule Walk at the Blanden Art Gallery. The photos are used by permission of Twist & Shout.


Blanden Gallery

Blanden Art Gallery
920 3rd Avenue South

A visit to the Blanden will introduce visitors to several exhibits. The West Gallery is the permanent collection. The exhibits in the East Gallery change periodically. At this time it is “A Measure of Grace” with paintings by Madai Taylor. They also celebrate art in the schools. They are now studying Grant Wood so his paintings will be shown in the main foyer. The gift shop “One of a Kind” will also be open. Christmas trees with lights will add the holiday touch to these surroundings. This year marks the 77th year of serving the people in the Fort Dodge area.


Vincent House

Vincent House
824 3rd Avenue South

The Vincent House will be decorated in Victorian colors. Christmas carolers will put everyone in the Christmas spirit. Santa Claus will be handing out cookies provided by Wal Mart, HyVee, Creative Cakes by LuAnn and Larita Cakes and More. Younkers will have the dining room table set with china. Jeff Becker will decorate with poinsettas and garland. The second floor will be open to the public for this event. Sister Sadies will be decorating a bedroom upstairs and dancers will be performing in the ballroom. Due to fire regulations the visit to the 2nd floor will be monitored. The Vincent House was built in 1871.


Smeltzer House

Smeltzer House
1019 2nd Avenue South

The Rindland-Smeltzer House was built in 1903 by George Ringland and his wife. Their daughter, Ann Smeltzer, lived in the home until her death in 1999.

The Smeltzer home will feature three trees with Ann Smeltzer’s personal holiday decorations. The one in the living room will be decorated with burgundy and gold balls, ribbons and candles. A beautiful Nativity sene will surround the base of this tree. All of the windows, porches, and balcony will be decorated with garland, lights and bows. The fireplaces will be decorated with garlands, wreaths, and ribbons, accenting the decor of each room. The dining room table will be set with the Smeltzer’s antique china, silver and crystal.

Open to the public for the first time will be the opportunity to go upstairs to view the newly refurbished second floor.


Carnegie Library Apartments

Carnegie Library Apartments
Corner of 1st Avenue North and 6th Street

This building will be decorated by the owner Jean Doyle, her good friends, and assisted by HyVee Florists. Several apartments will be festively decorated by both tenants and local retailers.

The decor will be a mix of old and new. Since the building is over 100 years old, the Christmas decor will create an old time Christmas feel. There will be many trees and poinsettias in the three common areas. Each area will have its own theme of an elegant mix of many different decorations and color.


Christmas music will be provided at all of the homes. A snow date has been set for Tuesday, December 8th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. in case of severe weather conditions on December 6th.

The Fort Dodge Area Symphony Board is most grateful for the gracious hospitality and support which has been given for this project. Without them this major fund raiser for the Symphony would not be possible.

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