Opening Night Gala
The Hiawatha Homes Foundation invites you to the 41st annual, Festival of Trees Opening Night Gala. Prepare for an evening of generosity, community and tradition. Your gift during the Festival will create immediate impact and lasting change.
*If tickets are sold out, you may join our waitlist by emailing Ellen Heydon at eheydon@hiawathahomes.org.
There is no guarantee more tickets will become available but we will honor the waitlist in order.
Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: The Kahler Grand Hotel, Heritage Hall
*Hiawatha Homes has rooms blocked for the Opening Night Gala at a reduced price at the Kahler Grand Hotel. To book a room in our block, please contact the Kahler Grand Hotel and tell them you will be attending the gala. Call 507-280-6200.
Menu
- Autumn Harvest Salad: Mixed baby lettuces, chevre cheese crumbles, pan roasted acorn squash with skin, dried cranberries or cherries, maple dijonnaise dressing, and candied pecans.
- Choice of:
- Braised Short Rib:
- Red wine braised beef short rib with red win demi glaze, truffle yukon gold whipped potatoes, and roasted root vegetable medley.
- Wild Mushroom Risotto:
- Wild mushroom and truffle risotto served with porcini, chantrelle, and crimini mushrooms, with white wine and parmesan cheese.
- Triple Chocolate Mousse
- Served with raspberry coulis, fresh cream and a chocolate straw.
Opening Night Gala Festivities
5:30 pm | Registration Opens and Silent Auction Opens
5:30 pm| Preview of Trees and Cash Bar and Appetizers
6:30 pm | Running of the Trees
6:30 pm | Salads on the table and Live Streaming of Tree Running
6:45 pm | Welcome
7:15 pm | All dinners on table
7:30 pm | Program Starts
7:45 pm | Live Auction
8:00 pm | Fund A Need
8:30 pm | Raffle
9:00 pm | Check Out
*Please note: Our silent auction begins on Tuesday, November 24, and will conclude on Sunday, November 28.
