The Bloedel Reserve welcomed a record-breaking number of guests during the month of December. The response of the community to our amazing Holiday Village and Model Railroad exhibit was overwhelming. It was a great thrill for us to welcome nearly 3,500 visitors to enjoy the display.

It was particularly gratifying to see so many children and young families among our guests, and we look forward to welcoming them back again, as we offer many more events to engage the community this year.

We especially want to acknowledge and thank our volunteers, notably Dwight Shappell, who constructed the beautiful model village, and Dave Durfee, who lent his model railroad trains, along with a dozen others who worked tirelessly to decorate our Visitor Center and Gate House.

The support of the community in 2010 for Bloedel Reserve was truly extraordinary, and we look forward to sharing our award-winning public garden with many more guests in 2011.

Paul Kundtz, board president

Ed Moydell, executive director