Jumpstarting the Holiday Season-

Merced Area Activities Abound

The Merced Baroque Sinfonia performs at the Christmas Open House at the Merced Courthouse Museum. Photo: Steve Newvine

There’s a special feeling in the air when the Christmas holiday season is upon us, if we are willing to let it in and take over our hearts.

There are the sounds of children’s choirs, church bell concerts, classical music and even a band of ukulele players.

Add to all that, the beauty of nearly ninety Christmas trees, each representing a non-profit organization or local business.  

All of it makes for a great kickoff to the holiday season.

For the past forty years, the Merced County Courthouse Museum has invited the community in to jumpstart the holiday weeks with an open house and music concert. 

Members of the Bear Creek Ukulele Society perform at the Merced County Courthouse Museum Christmas Open House. Photo: Steve Newvine

This year, five local groups presented mini-concerts throughout the afternoon of the Sunday after Thanksgiving: the Central Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir, Our Lady of Mercy Christmas Choir, Merced Baroque Sinfonia, St. Paul School Choir, and Bear Creek Ukulele Society.

 "There was such a range of music from classical to ukulele,” said Museum Director Sarah Lim. “With the children in between, there was music for everyone.”

But the other stars of this long-running event were the decorated Christmas trees that were all over the three stories of Museum display space.  

Just four of the nearly ninety Christmas trees are on display now through the holiday season at the Merced County Courthouse Museum. Photo montage: Steve Newvine

Some were mixed in with the current exhibit (Painting Merced County). Trees were in the hallways (including a tabletop tree honoring the Merced County Times newspaper).  

Tree lights filled the rooms holding the permanent exhibits. There were even trees near the entrances of the restrooms.

Years ago, the Museum asked community groups to consider setting up trees for the annual open house.  

With a humble start of just over a dozen, this year’s display boasts nearly ninety. Some might argue there’s room for more.

My personal favorite tree among the dozens on display at the Merced County Courthouse Museum is this one honoring the King of Rock and Roll: Elvis Presley. Photo: Steve Newvine

For me, the afternoon at the Museum brought back some pleasant memories of the child-rearing years. Holiday school concerts and community celebrations were part of the small-town experience our children could enjoy.

Being among the festive surroundings at the Courthouse Museum, listening to the music, and enjoying a home-baked cookie or two helped churn up those pleasant memories.

So, the holiday season is here, and it is easy to take it all in thanks to the jumpstart from our community treasure, the Courthouse Museum. –

Steve Newvine lives in Merced.

His new book, Jack & Johnny, is available online at Jack & Johnny (lulu.com). It can also be purchased from Bookish Modesto in the Roseburg Square Shopping Center in Modesto.

Steve’s California book series is available at the Merced County Courthouse Museum Gift Shop.

For more information on the Merced County Courthouse Museum, MercedMuseum.org