The Owego Historical Society is once again spreading holiday cheer with their remarkable 22nd Annual O’Tannenbaum Holiday Display & Fundraiser. This event has become a beloved tradition in Owego, bringing together the community and offering a wide array of festive items for all to enjoy.

Bringing Holiday Cheer to Owego

Over 100 community-donated items have been assembled, ranging from beautiful Christmas trees and wreaths to charming dollhouses and captivating fire engine displays. These items are up for silent auction, with the funds raised going towards supporting the society's operational costs in 2025, including a much-needed library remodeling project.The Saturdays of the event are truly a highlight. Live entertainment fills the air throughout the day, creating a festive atmosphere. Santa and Mrs. Claus make special appearances from noon to 2 p.m., adding to the magic of the holiday season. As Executive Director Gerald Smith proudly states, "We’re double booked every Saturday for entertainment; Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance every Saturday and it’s all free."The holiday display itself is a sight to behold. Spanning up to three rooms, it includes a cozy sitting area where live music can be enjoyed. There is also a Santa letter-writing station, allowing visitors to share their holiday wishes.The fundraiser runs through Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. Shortly after the event ends, the silent auction winners will be notified to come and collect their prized items.The society is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., giving visitors ample time to explore the display and participate in the festivities.This event is not just for Owego residents; it is a regional attraction that brings people together. Whether you choose to attend for the entertainment, the silent auction, or simply to soak in the holiday spirit, there is something for everyone. Come and be a part of this wonderful tradition and support the Owego Historical Society.

Community-Donated Items Galore

The variety of community-donated items is truly astonishing. The Christmas trees, with their unique shapes and colors, add a touch of elegance to the display. The wreaths, with their intricate designs and fresh greenery, bring the outdoors inside. The dollhouses, miniature masterpieces in their own right, offer a glimpse into a world of imagination. And the fire engine displays, with their realistic details and shiny finishes, are a favorite among both children and adults. Each item tells a story and contributes to the overall charm of the holiday display.Not only do these items add to the visual appeal, but they also serve as a testament to the generosity of the Owego community. People have come together to donate these treasures, showing their support for the historical society and their love for the holiday season.

Live Entertainment and Santa's Visit

The live entertainment on Saturdays is a non-stop celebration of the holidays. From traditional carols to modern holiday tunes, the music fills the air and puts everyone in a festive mood. Whether you're strolling through the display or taking a break in the sitting area, the music adds to the overall experience.Santa and Mrs. Claus's visits are a highlight of the event. Children eagerly wait in line to meet Santa and share their wishes, while adults look on with a smile. The sight of Santa and Mrs. Claus in their holiday attire is enough to bring out the child in everyone. It's a moment of magic that families will remember for years to come.The fact that these activities are all free makes the event even more accessible and enjoyable. It allows everyone to come together and celebrate the holidays without worrying about the cost.

Supporting the Owego Historical Society

By participating in the silent auction and supporting the fundraiser, you are directly contributing to the Owego Historical Society's operational costs. The library remodeling project is an important initiative that will enhance the society's facilities and allow them to better serve the community.Your support also helps to preserve the history and heritage of Owego. The historical society plays a vital role in documenting and sharing the stories of the past, and your contributions help to ensure that their work can continue.In addition to the financial support, your presence at the event helps to create a sense of community. It brings people together to celebrate the holidays and support a worthy cause. By being a part of this event, you are making a difference in the lives of others and in the history of Owego.

On December 6th, the Elon Electric Ensemble class members got the opportunity to showcase the songs they had been working on throughout the semester. This event provided the crowd with a chance to witness the remarkable talent present at Elon. Music production students took the stage in McCrary Theatre as part of the Fall Songwriter Showcase, an annual concert organized by Elon's Music Production and Recording Arts program. The concert was sponsored by the Elon Department of Music and directed by Elon professor Todd Coleman.

Showcasing Student-Generated Music

Ten songs were performed, with nine composed by sophomore Maya Spencer, junior Shreyas Kumar, sophomore Keller Knight, and sophomore Maya Cohen. Coleman also presented one of his own songs. The student-written songs included Spencer's "Sit and Watch," Kumar's "City on Fire," Knight's "Bonnie & Clyde," and Cohen's "Fever Dream." Additionally, senior Major LeGoullon on electric guitar and senior Theo Loehr on drums added to the musical ensemble.

The Role of Todd Coleman

Coleman is the professor for MUS1090: Electric Ensemble. He is not only a talented bassist and composer but also the founding faculty coordinator of Elon University's Music Production and Recording Arts program. He has demonstrated his creative prowess by composing music for film, escape rooms, and documentary television. His presence and guidance have played a crucial role in shaping the students' musical journey.

Workshopping and Performing

During the semester, students present a song they have been working on and, with the input from their peers, add backing instrumentation. Throughout the process, the song is refined to include backing vocals and other instruments such as drums, bass, and keyboard. By the end of the semester, the students perform the songs with the ensemble. In the fall semester, the concerts focus on showcasing the original work of the students. This provides a unique platform for them to share their creative expressions.

The Importance of Original Music

Spencer emphasized that it is becoming increasingly difficult for smaller musicians to perform their original work. This is why these concerts are of great significance for her and other students. "A lot of times venues prefer to hear cover music as it is what people want to hear. So having spaces to perform our own songs is really crucial, especially at a school like Elon where there are so many talented musicians creating original music," she said.

Other Campus Music Promotions

This is not the first time Elon has been actively promoting musicians on campus. The Elon Student Union Board's SUBFest featured performances from The Shed, Limitless, Yards Davis, and more. Knight believes that such programs give students the opportunity to explore music production and express themselves. "It's a wonderful chance for students not only to share their original songs with an audience but also to gain the experience of workshopping their songs with a band. It allows them to think beyond just a guitar, a piano, or a voice," he said. The date for the Electric Ensemble's spring concert will be announced in the spring semester, exciting students and music enthusiasts alike.