Flowers may be in bloom and the weather may be warm enough for short sleeves, but come Saturday, it’s Christmas time in Chaska.

If all goes as planned, hundreds of volunteers will descend on six locations across Chaska to paint, repair and landscape. This year’s event marks the 14th anniversary of the program which assists homeowners who don’t have the physical or financial means to rehabilitate their own residences.

Last year, more than 250 volunteers helped spruce up places around town. This year, so far 75 have committed via phone.

“That’s a little low,” said longtime organizer Mary Monteith. “Usually we’re over 100 by this time.”

Monteith isn’t especially worried, though. They usually have plenty of people show up day of to help out.

“It’s cool to see how many repeaters we get,” she said.

This year’s projects include one mobile home in Riverview, two homes in downtown Chaska and two homes in Jonathan. Also on the docket is the Auburn Manor courtyard. That project is ideal for younger volunteers, Monteith said.

“It’s been tough to match younger volunteers to appropriate work sites,” she explained. “So we’re trying to switch gears. We tried to think outside the box this year.”

Tasking younger volunteers with helping fix up the Auburn Manor courtyard seemed like a perfect solution.

“It’s a great fit for the younger set,” she said.

Other projects volunteers will be tackling this year include siding, lawn cleanup, staining and screen repair. Monteith said they are still looking for skilled volunteers in plumbing and screen repair.

So far, the weather forecast was looking good for Saturday – cloudy and cool with no rain. If it should rain, the event will be held Sunday.

“We have been so lucky in years past,” said Monteith. “I’m confident it will happen on Saturday.”

Until then, Monteith is trying not to let nerves get the best of her.

“I tend to be uneasy the day of,” she confessed. “But then the hours pass and I think ‘Wow, we pulled it off again.’”

Golf tourney

For those unable to volunteer Saturday, there is another way to help with Christmas in May activities. Chaska High School students will be holding a golf tournament on Monday, May 24 at the Chaska Town Course to raise money for Christmas in May. The event is the students’ senior capstone project.

The four-person scramble will begin at 11 a.m. The cost is $85 and includes 18 holes of golf, range balls, a cart and lunch. The winning team will get a credit at the Chaska Town Course.

The group hopes to get 100 golfers in order to raise $1,500 for Christmas in May. Those interested in participating should contact Peter Standbrook at (952) 443-0633 or pstandbrook@gmail.com.

-Mollee Francisco, staff writer