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Area children and their families are invited to an afternoon of family fun at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital on Sunday, December 2, noon to 3 p.m. for A Fairy Tale Forest Christmas. Partners and the hospital have hosted Preview to Christmas, a fundraising community family event for 48 years. It is a magical atmosphere for children with hands-on activities, games and refreshments. There is no admission cost, although there is a small charge to participate at some of the stations. All proceeds help fund projects and equipment purchases to contribute to the health and quality of life in our area.

Iva Mulhern and Mary Mara are co-chairing the Preview. “As children enter the hospital’s main entrance they will be greeted by a trio of volunteers dressed as fairies. Each child will receive a welcome bag and families will be given a program containing a map to help them plan their adventurous expedition,” Iva Mulhern said. “There will be refreshments at Old Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard and the children will be creating their own make and take project at Hangin’ with the Gingerbread Man. Children will also enjoy the fun on Hansel and Gretel’s Activity Trail, visiting Jack and Jill’s Hill, Jack’s Beanstalk, the Fairies’ Magical Wheel and Peter and Tink’s Tattoos. For minimum donations, children will be able to shop for two gifts at Snow White and the Seven Dwarf’s Cottage.”

Mary Mara adds, “Families are encouraged to bring their camera to capture the excitement of the afternoon. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, as well as Mrs. Pockets. The Hospital Cafeteria will be transformed into Little Red’s Sweet Treats for the event, offering a small menu of items to purchase and chances for the Children’s Drawings. Little Red Riding Hood’s Cookie Trail will also be a favorite stop for the little ones.”

Children are reminded to bring their letters to Santa addressed to the North Pole. Santa’s elves have placed a mail box at PdC Memorial for the little ones to mail their letters. Children will also have an opportunity to write that important letter addressed to the North Pole at the Preview.

There will be fresh baked holiday treats at the Do You Know the Muffin Man Bake Sale in the front entrance of the hospital offering a selection of goodies to help with holiday entertaining, as well has handmade dish clothes. The gift of love can also be shared with a donation through the Season of Lights and Walk of Stars.

A raffle is another tradition and popular component of the Preview. Area businesses and individuals have generously donated prizes for this fundraiser, including handcrafted items, cash, gift certificates, gift boxes, and holiday decorations. The display case in the hospital’s front entrance showcases the raffle prizes and recognizes the donors. Raffle tickets are available from Partners, hospital employees and at the hospital reception desk. The raffle drawing will be held beginning at 2:30 p.m. followed by the 50/50 Drawing.

The Fairy Tale Forest Christmas theme was chosen from suggestions submitted by hospital employees. Abby Jacobs, Environmental Services, suggested the theme earning her the role of Honorary Co-Chair.