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By IAN SCHMIT

Messenger staff writer

Celebrating the season.

It's both the title of the Fort Dodge Area Symphony's 60th annual holiday concert and the goal of their annual fundraiser, the Yule Walk.

The Christmas-time historical tour followed the symphony's concert Sunday, where curious families and friends visited four Fort Dodge landmarks - the Blanden Art Museum, the Ann Smeltzer House, the Vincent House and the Carnegie Library Apartments, owned by Jeane and Mike Doyle.

"Without the generosity of people like Jeane and Mike Doyle, the folks at the Blanden and the Ann Smeltzer House, this Yule Walk couldn't take place," said Anne Kersten, Fort Dodge Area Symphony Board Member, "This is a great way to raise money for the symphony."

Hundreds of people went on the walk and through the Carnegie Library Apartments where residents opened their doors to show visitors the changes since the 1906 library's conversion to an apartment building, said Kersten.

At the Blanden museum, the exhibit "A Measure of Grace," was featured with paintings by Madai Taylor, which education director Linda Flaherty said was very fitting for this time of year.

"It's important for fine arts organizations to work together to put on common events like this," said Pamela Kay, business officer at the Blanden.

"It's a partnership, kind of like a win-win for everyone," added Flaherty.

She also said the Yule Walk gave people a chance to see the galleries who perhaps have never seen the inside of the museum.

Linda Rowe was one such person on the tour.

"I've never been in here and I've lived here all my life,"she said of the Blanden Art Museum.

The Ann Smeltzer House recently underwent renovations to the main and upstairs hallway, said Bill Griffel, president of the Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust, and this was the first Yule Walk people were allowed to go upstairs.

"I liked all the antiques and stuff," said visitor Brianna Evans.

"And the cookies!" chimed in her mother, Deb Evans.

Visitors to the Vincent House were greeted by Santa Claus and carols from various singers of the Comedia Musica Players.

"It gives them a look into the past at how people lived and celebrated Christmas," said hostess Carl Bohlen, "If people leave with smile on their face than it's all been worth it."

Contact Ian Schmit at (515) 573-2141 or ischmit@messengernews.net