Turner-Dodge Festival of Trees honors storytelling through decor

If the story of Rudolph didn’t make the red-nosed reindeer enough of a stud already, how about the time he and two elves built a makeshift hot air balloon to air-lift rescue Santa, Prancer, Vixen and the crew from a wicked crash. Not ringing any sleigh bells?  

The wild scenario was dreamed up by the Capitol Steampunk Society, which brought it to life through a miniature Christmas tree surrounded by figurines, a suspended model hot air balloon and several layers of drama. The epic display won “Best Theme” last week for the Festival of Trees, an annual contest hosted by Friends of Turner-Dodge, an organization dedicated to maintaining the historical home. The tree exhibition will be open to the public on holidays and concludes New Year’s Day.  

“I spearheaded this event eight years ago as a fundraiser for us,” said Michael Beebe, the president of Friends of Turner-Dodge. “I love history, but I love having events here and this is our biggest event, at least for the Friends.” 

This year, the fundraiser packed 41 Christmas trees into two floors of the charming historical Turner-Dodge home. Each tree is designed by local businesses in efforts to raise awareness while also creating a spectacle to encourage patrons to support one of Lansing’s remaining Victorian gems. 

The first category was “Unique Tree Display” which was snagged by the Michigan State University Friends of Theatre’s wooden, angular construction titled “Into the Woods.” The creation was entered to advertise the MSU Department of Theatre’s run of the titular play. The grand prize was a one-night stay at the English Inn in the Chelsea Room with breakfast.  

Catalyst Warrior, a new yoga studio on Oakland Avenue, took home “Best Promotional Tree” for its all-white, glittery spruce decked out in hamsas, peace signs and Pride flag-inspired ornaments. 

Two honorable mentions were awarded to The Garden Club of Greater Lansing for its creation titled “Alluring Pollinators,” a tree dipped in an English Garden to promote the sanctity of Earth’s pollinators. “Holiday Greetings Across the Galaxy,” a tree designed by the Capital Area Literacy Coalition, also received an  honorable mention for its Outer Space-themed ornaments and display of books.  

After eight years of coordinating the Festival of Trees, one would think Beebe would get tired of running this program, but he said the originality each year keeps him and the community guessing. Last weekend for the opening of the display, he said Friends raised $1,000 from door sales. 

“In the past, Lansing hasn’t been kind to historical homes, tearing them down to build highways or parking lots,” Beebe said. “The Turner-Dodge house is one of the last remaining historic homes in Lansing that is open to the public. We need to preserve these things.” 

Festival of Trees 

Tuesday-Thursday, 1 to 7 p.m. 

Friday-Sunday Noon to 5 p.m. 

$5 Ages 12 +  

Turner-Dodge House 

100 E. North St., Lansing 

(517) 483-4220 

beebe.michael@yahoo.com