The 39th “Festival of the Gnomes” frolics into town December 5 and 6 at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre. This family tradition features a 90-minute live, indoor show on Saturday (1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) and Sunday (1:00 p.m.).Tickets $5 all ages (cash or check only). Journey with the all-age cast as they tell of the “wee” folk’s good works for man and nature.

Try your luck to win a signed, soft-sculpture gnome doll created by Sally Susner – this is the only place that has them!

For many, the chance to win a hand-crafted gnome doll to call their own is their favorite part of the festival.

The gnome doll raffle continues because of one special lady, Sally Susner. This talented seamstress begins crafting the soft-sculptured boy and girl gnome twin dolls in the spring. With all the details, from hand-stitched facial features, specially selected fabrics and trims for their garments and even shoes, the two gnome babies come to life. According to gnome lore, they always have twin babies so Sally continues that tradition, too!

Sally took up the detailed task last year, and decided to add something special her second year. She smiles as she reveals a surprise underneath their tops, “I gave them a little red heart.” It’s truly fitting Sally stitched a soft little red heart onto her works of love. Soon, two lucky winners will call them their own, as each one will be raffled off at the end of the event. Tickets are 50¢ each or 6 for $1.00. Winners need not be present. The two beautiful gnome babies now on display at the Park.

With special thanks to Sally, this beloved tradition of the 39th “Festival of the Gnomes” continues. The two winners are invited to bring their gnome babies back each year to have a tassel sewn onto their little hats, as they will see many proud gnome “adoptive parents” do. It’s a fun way to see the darling gnome doll family grow each year!