Marathon’s Zonta Club found a way to carry on with the tradition of raffling off Christmas trees by teaming up with the Marathon Community Theatre. The trees are displayed in the theater lobby, as well as the local cinema right next door.
Joanne Zimmerman is a member of both organizations.
“This is Zonta’s major fundraiser of the year. Because we’re not having the gala and dinner this year, it’s very important to the club to raise money with the raffle,” she said. “And, the holiday show will mark the first time since the start of the pandemic that there will be a show on the mainstage.”
Organizers have paid special care to precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Guests who come to see the trees will have their temperatures taken and follow a one-way path through the trees. Missed something the first go around?
“Just go to the exit and come through again,” said Zimmerman.
The holiday show is about an hour long and features dancing, musical performances and holiday skits.
Normally, the theater seats about 150 patrons, but attendance will be limited to about 50. Zimmerman said there will be two rows and three seats empty between each party.
To see the trees, swing by the Marathon Community Theater on Thursday to Saturday, Dec. 10-12. Hours are 3:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to noon and 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Raffle tickets are $5 each, or 5 for $20. Guests can purchase them on site and then place them in the appropriate bucket for a chance at the raffle win. There are also many holiday gift baskets to be bid upon.
The holiday show is on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 each, and going quick because of limited attendance, plus ticketing fees and sale tax.
“We’re sticking together to help each other out,” said Zimmerman of Zonta and Marathon Community Theater. “We’re just trying to spread a little holiday cheer. People have been cooped up for so long.”
