The Saugatuck-Douglas History Center will roll out its new holiday ornament, commemorating the bicentennial gazebo in Saugatuck’s Wicks Park, during the Saugatuck Center for the Arts Holiday Market Saturday, Dec. 2.
Priced at $50, this 4-inch-long hanging ornament is hand-crafted in Poland and continues the SDHC tradition of feting local historic sites and structures as holiday decorations.
Fashioned in blown glass and hand-painted in bright colors, it depicts the Victorian style bandstand overlooking the Kalamazoo River in downtown Saugatuck.
The gazebo was erected in 1976 as part of the community’s celebration honoring 200 years of American independence. It was dedicated July 4, 1976.
For decades, Wicks Park has been a Saugatuck destination site, used for Christmas celebrations, band performances, weddings, memorial services, public announcements, the Mt. Baldhead Challenge, picnics, family gatherings and simply for viewing the river.
Pictures of the Bandstand and the Seurat-painted restroom have appeared in many tourist and other publications. This year’s ornament commemorates the history and good memories made there.
Also available at the market: the return of the 2021 Mt. Baldhead ornament, depicting its iconic “golf ball” radar tower and dome from the Cold War era, at the apex of a 302-step climb.
Limited supplies of the 2022 Chain Ferry ornament will also be avalable while supplies last.
Saturday’s SCA market will feature some 40 art and fine-craft vendors in the outdoor parking lot offering greens, home decor, wearables, jewelry, paper and baked goods, plus. For more information, contact market@sc4a.org or call (269) 857-2399.
After that, the ornament will be available at the History Center, 130 Center St., downtown Douglas. For more information about offerings and opportunities, visit MySDHistory.org.