MARSHFIELD — The eighth annual “Holiday Showcase…on Chestnut!” will take place on Sunday, Dec. 7 from noon to 4:30 p.m. Hosted by Chestnut Avenue Center for the Arts, this event has become a Christmas tradition for Marshfield and central Wisconsin.

The merriment includes live holiday entertainment, thousands of items for sale by artists and crafters, art demonstrations and displays, a silent auction, the “Once-Loved Art” Auction, and complimentary refreshments including hot cider, cocoa, coffee, and cookies.

“Holiday Showcase…on Chestnut!” is a festive open house designed to celebrate the season. You can come to shop for unique gifts and treasures in a stress-free Christmas setting or just to enjoy the afternoon’s entertainment and treats.

Event organizers Terri Grierson and Freddie Scott, as well as a host of Chestnut Center’s volunteers, have been busy creating a holiday atmosphere. The afternoon’s entertainment program schedule is as follows:

• Noon – Middendorp Music Studio Cello Choir directed by Hope Middendorp
• 12:30 p.m. – Making Holiday Music Together with Edie Smazal
• 1 p.m. – Marshfield High School Madrigal Singers under the direction of Greg Reierson
• 1:30 p.m. – Piano Studio of Lynette Mort musicians
• 2 p.m. – Piano Studio of Janet Wolfe musicians
• 2:30 p.m. – Main Street Conservatory of Dance
• 3 p.m. – Marshfield Area Horn Choir under the direction of Celia Sturzl

There will also be an abundance of arts and craft booths selling holiday decorations, jewelry, glass work, homemade chocolates, and more.

All of the Holiday Showcase’s artists and crafters, plus additional artists who are not selling their work at this year’s event, have donated items to the silent auction, where more than 22 pieces will be on display and available for bidding throughout the afternoon in the Chestnut Gallery.

The “Once-Loved Art” Auction, coordinated by Mary Jo Fritsche, will take place in the Terrazzo Room. All items are donated by their previous owners, good friends of Chestnut Center and of the arts.

This year 50 pieces in a variety of media, primarily wall art, are available.

“There’s something for every taste,” said Fritsche. “And so much of the work is ready for immediate hanging in its new setting.”

Pre-event bids are being taken Monday through Friday, Dec. 1 through 5 (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) by telephone or in person at the Center. Bidding closes at 3:45 p.m. on Dec. 7 during the Holiday Showcase.

There is no admission charge for the Holiday Showcase. For more information call 715-389-8999 or visit chestnutarts.org.

The Chestnut Center is located at the corner of Third Street and Chestnut Avenue in downtown Marshfield. Chestnut Center encourages attendees to also visit historic Upham Mansion’s 2014 Christmas Event, located at 212 W. Third St. on the same day as the Holiday Showcase, from 1 to 4:30 p.m.