Alaska's Governor and the state's First Lady announced the date for the Governor’s Annual Christmas and Holiday Open House at the Governor’s mansion on Monday. This year, it will be held on Tuesday, December 10th, from 3 pm until 6 pm.

“Sandy and I always look forward to this special time of the year – when we welcome all Alaskans to come celebrate,” Governor Parnell said. “As we enjoy the holiday season with our neighbors and loved ones, we should take a moment and remember all of our men and women in uniform serving around the world.”

Territorial Governor Walter Eli Clark and his family held the first open house on January 1 after construction of the house was completed in 1912. The tradition has been kept up since that time with only two years being missed, those years during World War II.

More than 24,000 cookies are being prepared for the event, and more than 100 pounds of fudge and chocolate candies will be served. Members of the governor’s cabinet will serve hot apple cider and holiday treats to guests waiting in line outside the residence.

Entertainers from local community and school groups will perform both inside and outside the residence. Gingerbread houses made by students at Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School will be on display.

Interior decorations for the event were done by the Capital City Republican Women, while groundskeepers for the Department of Administration were utilized to decorate the exterior of the mansion.

Governor Parnell is the tenth governor to occupy the mansion since statehood.