The museum is decorated for Christmas, thanks to local businesses and individuals who took the time to decorate a tree and enter the LeFlore County Historical Society’s Third Annual Fantasy Forest Tree Decorating Contest.
This year participants in the contest are:
1) Lou Mays and Pam Mullins- Lou is a supporter of the museum and has not only created this beautiful tree, but she also decorated our 9 foot tree in the lobby here at the museum. Pam, a LeFlore County Historical Society Board member, has spent countless hours putting the Fantasy Forest Tree Contest together. If you think their tree is the best, then place your vote for Tree #1.
2) Central National Bank has been a proud supporter of the museum for many years, not only did they decorate a tree, but they also sponsor our annual Ornaments at Christmas Event. For all your banking needs check out the Central National Bank of Poteau. If you think their tree is the best, then place your vote for Tree #2
3) Wister High School FCCLA is no stranger to the museum or to the tree contest as they participated in last year’s Fantasy Forest Contest. Their tree is beautifully decorated. If you think their tree is the best then place your vote for tree #3.
4) Though their tree may be a “Scrooge” Amy Hall and her staff at Century 21 First Choice Realty are anything but, as they are proud supporters of the museum. They are always willing to help. Located at 210 S Broadway in Poteau, see them for all your real estate needs. Place your vote for Tree #4 if you like the “Scrooge” Tree.
5) Revamp Ranch located at 204 Dewey Avenue offers quality home decor, revamped vintage furnishings, and gifts. Ashton and Erica have created not just a tree with decorations on it, they created a work of art. Their beautiful Tree is #5.
6) Second Chances Recovery & Resale Store, Inc is a non-profit organization established to assist people struggling with substance abuse, breaking the cycle of incarceration, and overcoming life controlling issues. They focus on the potential and future opportunities obtainable to those who want another chance at life. The Resale Store has a wide variety of items, clothes, shoes, house goods, décor, jewelry, toys, bookstore, Etc. They also have a coffee bar, pastries, free Wi-Fi and an area to do job searches and assistance creating resumes. They are located at 1100 S. Broadway in Poteau. Their tree was decorated with ornaments that were donated to them. To vote for their tree just write #6 on your ballot.
7) The Salvation Army store located at 400 Dewey Avenue in Poteau has decorated a tree that revolves around the mission of the Red Kettle. The Red Kettle Campaign is especially needed now to meet the increasing needs of millions of families living in the United States. The Salvation Army, the nation’s largest private provider of social services, will not stop working to provide Christmas gifts, food, shelter, and rent and utility assistance to millions of people struggling this holiday season and beyond — no matter the cost. Funds raised in 2022 supported services for nearly 24 million people living in America. Vote for their tree by writing #7 on your ballot and be sure to drop your loose change in the red kettle they have provided here at the museum.
8) Heart of Hospice is more than an organization of hospice professionals – they are proud members of communities across eastern Oklahoma. Compassionate, quality service is their mission. They are located at 2703 N Broadway St, in Poteau. Heart of Hospice is also sponsored “Coffee and Conversation with the Cops” at the museum. Be sure to check out their tree and if you like it, place your vote for tree #8.
9) Giving Grace Foundation, which is located at 320 Dewey Avenue in Poteau, is a nondenominational Christ-centered ministry that helps pregnant women by providing free and confidential services, including parenting classes, pregnancy testing, life skills classes, information on pregnancy options and a mentoring program. Giving Grace has tree #9
10) The employees at Old Castle are the best, if you ever need volunteers, let them know; they are willing to help when they can. Old Castle is located at 509 S McKenna. We thank them for their support this year by decorating tree #10, so be sure to come to the museum and vote!
11) The Oklahoma Department of Human Services, located at 511 S Harper St in Poteau, have decorated tree #11 in the Fantasy Forest Contest. Thank You DHS for all you do to help people in this community. To vote for the DHS tree put #11 on your ballot.
12) Poteau FCCLA has entered the Fantasy Forest Contest this year. This great group of high school students has done a great job. If you think their tree is the best, then vote for tree #12.
13) Tree #13 is a Red Bird Tree decorated by Shona Alphin, a LeFlore County Historical Society.
14) The city of Poteau has always supported the museum in our endeavors to promote tourism to the downtown area, so we are honored that the Poteau Street Department called and wanted to decorate a tree for our contest. If you think that their tree is the best place, vote for tree #14.
15) The ladies at Love Fostering Hope have not only returned again this year to decorate a tree, but they also attended Scary Movie Night at the museum back in October. Love Fostering Hope is a place that is offering hope to women and families in need. Are you searching for hope. Hope in Jesus Christ is more “Know-so” than “Hope-so”. Are you facing family challenges, battling addiction, and ready for victory over your circumstances? Women’s Outreach and Healing House can help you on your successful journey to “Know-so” hope. Located in Shady Point, Oklahoma, Love Fostering Hope is a faith-based organization that offers a safe and loving place to recover. To vote for their tree, write #15- on your ballot.
16)Charlen Dunn has done a wonderful job on her “Home for Christmas Tree. Vote for her tree by writing #16 on your ballot.
17) The Fantasy Forest – Sherry Ballew created our First Fantasy Forest, a great inspiration to us all, Sherry spent countless volunteer hours creating the Forest 3 years ago and Charlene Dunn keeps the inspiration of Sherry alive by continuing the tradition of the Fantasy Forest. A cluster of trees of many shapes and sizes, the setting is a great place for family photos, or a Christmas selfie. Come sit on the wooden bench and escape reality for a minute and imagine being in a magical forest, where your “Fantasy can come true, through the magic of Christmas. We are glad that Charlene wants to make sure that Sherry’s legacy will live on. To Vote for “The Fantasy Forest” write #17 on your ballot.
18) “The Lobby Tree” was decorated by Lou Mays- she has done an excellent job creating an elegant tree that is pleasing to the eyes and a great back drop for photos. To vote for the Lobby tree, just write #18 on your ballot.
Voting is $1.00 per vote or get 10 votes for $5.00. You may vote as many times as you like.
Winner of the People Choice ( the tree with the most donations) will be announced on Christmas Day on the Lshs Lowrey Facebook page.
Judges Choice will be chosen by a panel of 3 judges and will be announced on Christmas Day on the Lshs Lowrey Facebook Page
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