Riverside Theatre Celebrates 20th Anniversary of FESTIVAL OF TREES

On Friday May 4th, over 40 designers from the 2017 Festival of Trees congregated at Riverside Theatre to celebrate the successful 20th Anniversary of the Festival that transpired in November 2017. Attendees to the gathering were also the first to hear the theme for the 21st Annual Festival of Trees, "Favorite Things," which will be held the weekend of November 16-18, 2018.

"We are so excited to be planning the 21st Annual Festival of Trees," said Annamarie LaBella, Director of Special Events. "It is so wonderful to see our designers return year after year to participate. Their enthusiasm for their themed design and continued dedication to the event is very inspiring."

For those in attendance, the year's theme elicited many positive comments. With such a broad theme, designers can let their imaginations flourish as they create their beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses.

Jon Moses, Managing Director of Riverside Theatre, welcomed all attendees and thanked them for their hard work. He shared that their efforts for the Festival were a major component in raising considerable funds for scholarships and discounted tuitions for children from the community. Last season through the Festival of Trees and Vegas Nights fundraisers, the Theatre raised $50,000 and allowed every child the opportunity to attend classes and camps at Riverside regardless of financial need.

"I'm thrilled to be joining the Festival of Trees team this year," said Ian Thomson, Special Events Associate. "The designers' energy is infectious, and they were not only receptive to new ideas: they are taking them and running with them! This is going to be an exciting Festival. I can't wait for everyone to share their 'Favorite Things!'"

In addition to the announcement of the theme, new ideas to increase competitive bidding were shared, including the creation of "stories" each designer can incorporate with their designs highlighting the uniqueness of their piece.

The 21st Annual Festival of Trees starts on Friday, November 16, 2018 with a Gala Preview Party and features a surprise performance on the Stark Stage. The Festival continues on Saturday and Sunday, November 17 & 18 with Breakfast with Santa and the Trees Showcase on both days, and Family Night on Saturday evening.

Tickets to the Festival of Trees Gala start at $125. Tickets to the Trees Showcase are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets to Breakfast with Santa are $22 for adults and $18 for children, and includes entrance to the Trees Showcase.

Vegas Nights takes place every weekend in July and transforms Riverside Theatre's Orchid Lobby into a Vegas-style casino with gaming tables of blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker.

For more information on the 21st Annual Festival of Trees or Vegas Nights, call the Box Office at 772-231-6990 or online at www.riversidetheatre.com.

Riverside Theatre is located at 3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963.

Riverside Theatre programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Riverside Theatre is a member of the Cultural Council of Indian River County, the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, and the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.

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