The schooner Utopia is preparing to celebrate the holidays as it concludes its first year docked in Sturgeon Bay.

This summer, the Utopia was officially gifted to the Patriot Racing Project, a veteran peer-support charity that brings veterans together through sailing and hands-on craftsmanship. Through its partnership with the Door County Maritime Museum and the efforts of Patriot Racing Project Executive Director Jack Gage, the Utopia has been open for tours, sailing excursions for veterans, and learning opportunities for Sea Scout Ship 1261 in Sturgeon Bay.

Its mission for the remainder of the year is more festive in nature. Halloween revelers will be able to trick-or-treat and tour the vessel Oct. 31 before it transforms into a Christmas tree ship that will sail back and forth between northern Michigan and Sturgeon Bay with Christmas trees in tow.

Gage says it will be the first time a Christmas tree ship has made the trip to and from Sturgeon Bay in more than a century.

Gage says the Christmas trees arriving Nov. 14 will be sold to benefit the Patriot Racing Project.