Paine Spreads Nutcracker Cheer, not COVID-19, as some Traditions Hold True
Riding shotgun with winter’s chilly temperatures and festive holiday cheer is the reappearance of the Paine’s Nutcracker in the Castle. The famous Nutcracker fairy tale is recreated in the historical mansion through the use of stylized decorations, music, and atmosphere. Each room is designed to represent a different part of the story, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Christmas fantasy.
Laura Rommelfanger, the Director of Events and Patron Engagement, believes that the Paine can use this as a way to spread happiness, especially during the current pandemic and all of the accompanying challenges.
“We believe this is an opportunity to bring a little bit of magic and joy to our community in times of isolation,” she said. “We bring people something to look forward to and an opportunity to have a little bit of fun in a safe way.”
The Nutcracker in the Castle has gone through many significant changes in the past few months since Oshkosh became a COVID-19 hotspot. Although the cheerful feelings run the same as they have in previous years, there are a few new changes Rommelfanger has implemented to adapt to the pandemic.
“We require everyone to wear a mask and we ask people to stay socially distanced while they are in the building,” she said. “To help with that, we have our reservations 10 minutes apart so that we don't have a lot of people coming in at the same time. And then we have people walking around cleaning, behind the scenes.”
Rommelfanger has also had to make more significant changes that affect the tours and further engagement options.
“We're only doing our self-guided tours, not guided tours which are usually actor-led with ballerinas,” she said. “We also are not able to host our cupcake cafe this year. We're hoping that those will all be back next year.”
Although some may be upset with the changes to the very traditional program, employees like Elizabeth Poisson look at the situation with a more positive perspective.
“I really enjoy the flow here now; it's really steady,” she said. “We have the ten-minute increments and it's a lot nicer with breaking up a lot of the big groups that would come in usually.”
Along with giving visitors and employees Christmas entertainment, the Paine has provided a refuge from the stuffiness and loneliness of the pandemic.
“Especially right now, people are used to being inside and hanging out with their families,” Poisson said. “So it's kind of nice to get out and experience other things and get a sense of normality; a lot of places you can't go out to anymore so it's really nice to have this option right now.”
Junior Paine volunteer Ari Hauck enjoys the work environment at the Paine, regardless of COVID-19.
“I chose to volunteer at the Paine because I wanted to feel a sense of community,” she said. “Everyone working together to build a beautiful sanctuary of the spirit of the holidays is a wonderful idea to me. While I'm helping the community, I also get to be in that beautiful environment until my shift is over which is really comforting.”
The Nutcracker in the Castle has created and continues to create unique memories for everyone. Hauck cherishes the memories of volunteering at the Paine in past years.
“It is really magical and almost nostalgic for me though at this point,” she said. “I've volunteered there before and I've gone there every Christmas, making it so familiar to me.”
Some visitors, like sophomore Lara Funnel, continue to visit and be mesmerized by the exhibits.
“I'm hoping to go to the Nutcracker in the Castle exhibit because I love seeing it every year,” she said. “It still has that same magic it had when I was a little kid and the trees always blow me away. With COVID I just don't feel like there are a lot of fun Christmas opportunities; having the nutcracker and the castle open is just a really fun thing to go to during the holidays.”
Whether it is someone's first visit or their eleventh, everyone can still go to the Paine and discover their favorite exhibit in the Nutcracker in the Castle. Employees and volunteers alike all hold an aspect of the Paine dear to their hearts.
“My favorite room is the great hall,” Poisson said. “I think that it's really nice that they put all the costumes on this year. My favorite aspect of my job would be watching the people enjoy it, especially the kids.”
Rommelfanger finds pleasure in brightening up rooms and seeing the reactions of each individual person.
“My favorite thing about this is watching children going from room to room and gasping when they get really excited,” she said. “And then you catch that adult with the child experiencing that child’s excitement, and that's equally enjoyable.”
The Paine brings the Oshkosh community art, nostalgia, and the holiday spirit, making it a sanctuary and a place Hauck holds dear.
“It feels like a second home,” she said. “It encompasses all the different beauties of this time of year and provides an enchanting break from reality.”
By Trinity Funnell and Ellie Nessman
Oshkosh West Index Volume 117 Issue 3
December 11th, 2020