Dyck Arboretum of the Plains is hosting its ninth-annual luminary walk to showcase the beauty of the gardens in winter.
Preparations are in full swing for this event, with staff putting up thousands of electric lights.
Volunteers have been cleaning jars and putting in new candles so more than 1,000 candles will light the paths.
In the gallery area, metal artist John Scott has designed wreaths for sale out of unusual copper and metal pieces.
Sweet gum ball wreaths as seen in Martha Steward Living and other nature-related Christmas decorations will be featured in the gift shop.
The first weekend of the walk is Nov. 27 and 28, with hours from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The theme will be “Chestnuts Roasting Over an Open Fire.”
Visitors will warm up by the bonfires with s’mores.
Cookies baked by the Hesston Women’s Civic Club and hot almond tea will be served to all who attend.
New this year is a “chestnut taster’s ticket” for $2 that gives a sample of roasted chestnuts, chestnut hummus, soup and other “chestnutty” dishes.
The recipes will be available along with bags of chestnuts for sale to make the dishes later at home for Christmas dinner.
Supplies of chestnuts are limited, so RSVP at (620) 327-8127.
The second weekend of the luminary walk is December 11 and 12, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
The theme this weekend will be “Ecclesiastes 3: To Everything There is a Season.”
Displays of nativity scenes from various collectors will be show cased in the visitor center.
The cost of the luminary walk is $5 for adults, $3 for students and $2.50 for children (4 and younger are free).
A portion of the proceeds will help benefit the Harvey County Homeless Shelter.
For more information, call (620) 327-8127 or go to www.dyckarboretum.org.
“Through the luminary walks, we offer visitors a way to experience the beauty of nature during the holidays,” director Julie Torseth said. “Our horticulturist, Scott Vogt, adds something new each year (look for the interesting objects hanging from the trees). Our wish is that everyone who attends takes home a special memory — and a decorating or cooking idea to use.
“Since this is a major fundraiser for the arboretum, we really appreciate the donations from those who attend and from those who can’t but send a contribution anyway,” she said. “This is a great time to say thank you to arboretum staff and volunteers for keeping the gardens beautiful and the paths safe and clear for walking even in winter. All contributions are tax deductible.”
