By Mike Donahue

Moapa Valley Progress

Lost City Museum volunteers Linda Janet Doutis, left, and Linda Anderson, both of Logandale, share a laugh in front of items donate for the museum’s raffle. Photo by Vernon Robison.

The Lost City Museum was filled to overflowing during its annual holiday open house on Saturday when a flood of visitors enjoyed an admission free visit, a live Christmas caroler and a chance to win some fantastic donated prizes.

More than 111 guests from all over the west including California, Idaho, Utah and even Wyoming visited the museum during the six-hour event. Many of those who toured the museum were Moapa Valley residents.

Zilla Johnson, an Overton musician and entertainer, sang Christmas carols in a corner of the museum while visitors enjoyed homemade cookies and punch.

“The annual holiday open house is our way of thanking the community for all their support,” said museum director Kathryne Olson. “We’ve received some outstanding raffle gifts from local businesses that we’re passing on to visitors.”

Overton entertainer Zilla Johnson sang Christmas carols during the Lost City Museum’s annual holiday open house Saturday.

There were two separate raffles conducted by museum docents. Items raffled off included unique Christmas baskets filled to overflowing with teddy bears, Walt Disney memorabilia, chocolate and Christmas ornaments.

Among a host of items donated by local businesses and won by raffle participants were an oil change, local motel rooms, dental work and a chiropractic visit.

“This is the first event we’ve had since the state moved the museum into the new Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department,” Olson said.

That department, which was created Oct. 1, is comprised of the Nevada Commission on Tourism, the Division of Museums and History, Nevada Arts Council and the Nevada Indian Commission. Claudia Vecchio was named director and started Nov. 14.

“I’m hoping the new department and director will translate into some growth for the museum,” Olson said.

Businesses that donated items for the open house include Jadde Sports, Ready Golf & Gear, Virgin Valley Dental, Sugars Homeplate Restaurant, Weststates Theaters, Big O Tires, Moapa Valley Arts Council, Lin’s Marketplace, Karen Alsum-Farmers Insurance, Art Chesmore – Certified Tourist Guide, Char Cruze – Certified Guide, Northshore Inn, Home Hardware & Variety, Eureka Hotel and Casino, Inside Scoop, The Tourist Trap, Muddy River Bar & Grill, Dr. Todd Askeroth – Chiropractor, Lost City Museum Docent Council, La Belle Maisson, Graph X Signs and Banners, High Desert Designs, Dr. Bret Staley – Moapa Valley Chiropractic, artist Jo Tame, artist Anne McConnell, artist Anne Carter, Lavon Selin, Spiro Bettalico, Lupita’s Mexican Food, True Value Hardware – Overton, Sage Health and Empowerment, Blvd Hair & Co., McDonalds – Overton, Pioneer Theatre, Bliss Salon, Cal’s Repair Service, Valley Service Center and Napa Auto Parts – Overton.