Published: November 08, 2009 12:04 am      

Festival of Trees brightens arena

Event kicks off holiday season

DANVILLE — The Christmas season is upon us again. A good way to start the holiday season off right is to attend the Festival of the Trees, which takes place at the David S. Palmer Arena.

The festival, organized by the Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation, will run from Saturday through Nov. 18. The title sponsors this year are Old National Bank, WatchFire Signs by Time-O-Matic and the Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation.

More than 1,400 volunteers come together to contribute their time and talent. There are a few foundation staff members who work almost all year to plan this event.

Gretchen Wesner, one of the foundation members, said the festival is a “cool community event.” All the proceeds from the festival go back into the community through various programs such as the HALO Project, Women’s Aware group, the GRADS/GED program of the Center for Children’s Services and many more.

The festival offers a full schedule of events. One of the main attractions is the Parade of the Trees, which features more than 80 trees decorated by either professionals or individuals. Another favorite is the Gallery of Wreaths. These wreaths also are decorated and showcased as an elegant walkway.

The Elfin Gingerbread Village features numerous gingerbread creations, which are donated by individuals and organizations. There also will be a miniature tree forest decorated by area kindergarten, first-grade and second-grade children. The gingerbread entries will be sold to the public through a silent auction and the proceeds will be donated back to the classrooms and local agencies.

Young and old will want to visit Ye’ Olde Candy Shoppe, which will be filled with homemade confections such as fudge and chocolates from Flesor’s Candy Kitchen in Tuscola. There also will be a Gingerbread Bakery where visitors can purchase gingerbread and sugar cookies from County Market for $1.50 each or $17 for a baker’s dozen. Visitors also might want to check out the Holiday Café, where an array of soups, salads, sandwiches, dessert, coffee and drinks will be available, all prepared by the Café on the Lawn catering.

There is a children’s area where the youngest visitors can either make a handprint memory or they can decorate a cookie, ranging from $1 to $3.

“Ronald and a Rock Star” is set for Nov. 15. Thaddeus Rex and Rock the Dinosaur will be in concert, which will inspire you to “read like a rock star and roar like a dinosaur.”

Thaddeus Rex — in real life, Thaddeus Holmes, a Danville native who grew up in Covington, Ind. — will be available after the concert for autographs. Each child who attends the concert will receive a McDonald’s Happy Meal toy and each family will receive a Thaddeus Rex CD. Tickets are $12 each. Seating is limited. The seating for this event starts at 11:45 a.m.

Another popular event for children is the Teddy Bear Breakfast. Santa Claus will attend this event and enjoy the breakfast buffet with the children. Each child also will receive a goody bag of prizes, including a new book. This event will take place at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Saturday. Tickets are $7.50 each, with limited seating.

A popular event for the adults is the Festival Wine Tasting set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Tickets are $30 each. Participants may relax while listening to music and sampling a variety of wines and gourmet hors d’ouerves.

Tickets for any of these events can be purchased by calling 442-6583 for group admission, or (877) 77-CLICK; they may be purchased in person at the box office or by going online at http://www.palmerarena.com.

IF YOU GO

The Festival of Trees runs Saturday through Nov. 18 at the David S. Palmer Arena. General admission is: adults, $5; seniors (55-plus), $3; children 3-12, $2; and children under 2, free. Family day is Nov. 15, when children are admitted free. Admission for veterans and military personnel will be free that day also in celebration of Veterans Day.