Annual tree fest coming up

From staff reports
Published: November 18, 2008

Christmas is coming to Amazement Square early again this year.

The sixth annual Festival of Trees — when the downtown museum is turned into a winter wonderland of trees, mantle pieces and wreaths decorated by area businesses and individuals — kicks off weekend.

The Winter Warehouse market is a holiday bazaar featuring a variety of vendors and holiday-inspired demonstrations (see below). It’s open from 3 to 7 p.m. Nov. 21, 1 to 5 pm. Nov. 22 and 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 23, and tickets are $5 per person.

It will also include The Children’s Store, a kids-only store that allows them to stuff special stockings for their family and friends.

The trees, mantle pieces and wreaths will all up for silent auction throughout the weekend, and all proceeds go to benefit the educational mission of Amazement Square.

Read on for more on the festival.

Demonstrations
Friday: Holiday Appetizers with Lucy Cook (Magnolia Foods) at 3 p.m. and Holiday Paper Crafts with Nancy E. Dawson (Stampin’ Up) at 5 p.m.
Saturday: Holiday Desserts with April Farmer (The Carefree Gourmet) at 1 p.m.; Pottery Using Herbs and Holly Leaves with Gail Kowalski and Harriet Hellewell (The Guild) at 2 p.m.; Children’s Activities with Sherry DuShaw (Usborne Books) at 3 p.m.; and Holiday Scrapbooking with Betsy Weaver (Creative Memories) at 4 p.m.
Sunday: Holiday Appetizers with April Farmer (The Carefree Gourmet) at 2 p.m. and Holiday Tablescapes with Jim Wirt (Designer’s Choice) at 3 p.m.

Children’s Breakfast with Santa
Old Saint Nick will be on hand for two seatings,  9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Nov. 22. Tickets, which include breakfast and a photo, are $10 and must be purchased in advance.

Festival of Trees Gala
The weekend will conclude with the Festival of Trees Gala, scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 23. The Paddy D Quartet, with special guest Tommy Cox, will provide entertainment.
Tickets are $40 per person and include food and a beer and wine bar. They must be purchased in advance, and ticket outlets are Amazement Square, Benjamin’s in Forest, The Good Cherry and select BB&T locations.

FYI
Contact the museum at (434) 845-1888 or http://www.amazementsquare.org.