Riverside Theatre Presents 19th Annual Festival of Trees

Riverside Theatre, led by Producing Artistic Director/CEO Allen D. Cornell, Managing Director/COO Jon R. Moses, and Director of Education Jim VanValen, presents the 19th Annual Festival of Trees. Benefitting Children's Theatre programming, the Festival, begins on Friday, November 18 with a glittering gala and continues with the regular showcase on November 19 & 20, 2016.

Featuring a "Starry, Starry Night" theme, the entire Riverside Theatre campus will feature a sparkling world of Christmas trees, holiday displays, a Santa's village, DIY demonstrations, and a NEW fun night of surprises for the whole family on Saturday.

Chaired by the affectionately named "Tree Amigos" - Nancy Large, Lyn Law and Barbara Woodward, the Festival of Trees is Riverside Children's Theatre's largest benefit and supports children's theatre programming and scholarships.

"We couldn't be more excited about this year's Festival of Trees! 'Starry, Starry Night' is gearing up to be the biggest and the best, with the whole theatre campus involved," says Lyn Law for the Tree Amigos. "This fun-filled event is not to be missed. There will even be room for a skating rink!"

Gala attendees on November 18th will welcome the holidays at the merry celebration which includes sumptuous food and drink, live entertainment by the Howl at the Moon musicians, and the grand event - the lighting of the Festival Forest.

There will be five distinct areas on the Riverside campus for people to enjoy: The Festival Forest, Santa's Village, Grand Festival Hall & Expo, The Christmas Shoppe, and Winter Gardens.

The Festival Forest - Riverside Children's Theatre is transformed into a magical forest with over 50 beautifully decorated trees. Designers from all over the area volunteer their time, talent and treasure to create these unique, holiday masterpieces. The gingerbread village, a magical mix of large and small creations, is always a focal point in the display area and completes any home, holiday décor.

Santa's Village - What would a holiday party be without Kris Kringle in attendance? This NEW outdoor area will feature music, performances, family activities, a synthetic skating rink, and Santa himself. Santa's Village will also be the main location for Family Night where kids can enjoy the crafts, cocoa, and the twinkling decorations. Family Night Sponsor: George E. Warren Corporation.

Grand Festival Hall & Expo - Riverside Theatre's main building will be a hub of activity with the Hall of Wreaths, the Community Stage on the Waxlax Stage with performances by local choirs, and classes and demonstrations of holiday projects by local artisans on the Stark Stage.

The Christmas Shoppe - The ever-popular Christmas Shoppe is the one stop location for unique gifts, gourmet cheeses, jellies, and holiday cheer.

Winter Gardens - New this year, Winter Gardens will be an exclusive area showcasing outdoor decorations and a fun family photo area.

And of course, the ever popular Breakfast with Santa returns with a visit with Ole St. Nick, musical performances, and a delectable breakfast. There will be a 9am Breakfast on Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20.

New this year, BidPal will be the electronic service taking bids for all auctionable items. No need to be present to check on your bid. With BidPal, the #1 mobile bidding service, you can check on your smart phone and/or home computer anytime over the weekend.

Festival hours:

• Friday, November 18 - 6pm to 10pm (Gala Party)

• Saturday, November 19 - 10am to 8pm (Regular Showcase & Family Night)

• Sunday, November 20 - 10am to 5pm (Regular Showcase)

Tickets:

• Preview Gala - $175

• Regular Showcase - $10 adults and $5 children (good for admittance on Saturday, Sunday, and/or Family Night)

• Breakfast with Santa - $20 adults, $12 children, and FREE for children under 3 (Breakfast tickets include admission to the regular showcases on Saturday and Sunday)

The Festival of Trees takes place November 18-20, 2016. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Box Office at 772-231-6990 or go one line to www.riversidetheatre.com.

Thank you to our Festival of Trees sponsors: George E. Warren Corporation, Bill & Mary Ann Becker, Serena H. Krohn, Boston Barricade, The Catering Revolution, The Ueltschi Family, Page 2 Design, Sofia Blanchard, The Minotty Family Foundation, Route 60 Genesis, Berkshire Hathaway Florida Realty, White Glove Moving and Storage, Robin Lloyd & Associates, Treasure Coast Sotheby's International Realty, Brown & Brown Insurance, Casp Baby, Dental Partners of Vero Beach, Disney's Vero Beach Resort, Betty Foster, Michael & Mary Ann Garavaglia, Indian River Exchange Partners, Dr. Arthur A. LaBella, Le Classique Jewelers, Premiere Estate Properties, The Rosato Plastic Surgery Center, SunTrust Bank, Treasure Coast Dermatology, Vero Chemical Distributors, Wild Irish Grove Studio, Wilmington Trust, Peggy & Bill Chadwick, The Moorings Realty Sales Co., and Mulligan's Beach House Bar & Grill.

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