The governor’s elves

Volunteers, first lady Beebe deck residence for holiday open house

Volunteers were busy hanging snowflakes, making snowmen and turning the Governor’s Mansion into a winter wonderland on Nov. 25. It was the second day of decorating for the volunteers under the direction of first lady Ginger Beebe and head volunteer decorator Pat Haering.

The first lady is a big believer in repurposing and recycling ornaments and decorations. Large ornaments from last year were turned into snowmen for this year. “Do you realize the things you can do with paint?” she asked.

She used fabric remnants from her own do-it-yourself projects to form scarves and hats for the snowmen. One sleepy snowman’s hat and scarf came from scraps left over after Beebe made a baby blanket for her granddaughter. Other snowmen were formed from cotton balls and pipe cleaners.

The snowman theme continued in the atrium and lower gallery where large snowmen paintings from artists across the state were displayed and super-size snowflakes hung from the ceiling.

Volunteers were also busily wrapping garlands of greenery and ornaments across mantels and around banisters and railings and decorating the different Christmas trees around the mansion. A large Nativity scene was being put together in the formal living room while a smaller, handcarved Nativity from artists in Mountain View awaited arrangement in the study.

The mansion will be open to the public at the annual Governor’s Mansion Holiday Open House from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 14. Guests will be able to view the public areas of the mansion and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. The event is free but advance reservations are requested. For more information or reservations, call (501) 324-9805.

Clara Carroll of Searcy decorates with garland around a mirror in the Governor’s Mansion entryway.

Jennifer Jennings of Hot Springs decorates the mantel in the living room. Stockings for Gov. Mike Beebe, first lady Ginger Beebe and first dog Viper have already been hung.

Doris Ellis of Hot Springs decorates the railing in the atrium.

Handmade snowmen wait to be hung on Christmas trees.

Nancy Voyles of Parkin hangs snowflakes in the atrium.

Tammy Browning adjusts greenery on a mantel in the Grand Hall.

First lady Ginger Beebe with a snowman she decorated with scraps of fabric from a baby blanket