VERO BEACH — Riverside Children’s Theatre’s Festival of Trees will be marking its fifteenth year with a new look and the best of its past on November 16 through 18 at the Agnes Wahlstrom Youth Playhouse and Anne Morton Theatre, 3280 Riverside Park Dr.
“Holidays Past and Present” will be played out in displays of decorated trees, wreaths, and a gingerbread village while the weekend will be highlighted with special events. There will be something for everyone.
The fun kicks off on Friday, Nov. 16, with the Gala Preview Party featuring a Holiday Cabaret. Riverside actors Kathy St. George and Jimmy Ray Bennett will perform at 8:30 p.m.
A holiday kitchen buffet, cocktails, and the opening of the auction bidding round off the evening.
Party tickets are $150 per person. A junior ticket (35 and under) is available in advance at $75.
Please call (772) 234-8052 for gala tickets and reserve them early as a sell out is anticipated.
Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m., the Academy Orchestra will present a concert on the Stark Stage of Riverside. Featured will be the music of Mannheim Steamroller. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students that includes admission to the festival.
The ever popular Breakfast with Santa will be held on Sunday, Nov. 18, with seatings at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort will provide a full breakfast including Mickey waffles.
Entertainment is by singer/guitarist Jonathan Cummings.
The highlight of the morning will be a visit by old St. Nick.
Tickets for the breakfast are $16 for adults and $10 for children that includes admission to the festival.
Public viewings of the holiday displays are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. An all new Christmas Shoppe, holiday vendors, children’s activities, entertainment by RCT students, and lunch from Chelsea’s on Cardinal will continue through the weekend.
Tickets for the festival are $8 for adults and $3 for children.
Festival and event tickets may be purchased by calling the theatre box office at (772) 231-6990 or visiting the website at www.RiversideTheatre.com.
Presenters of the Festival are George E. Warren Corporation, Vero US 1 Nissan/Route 60 Hyundai, Dorothea Leonhardt Fund of the Community Foundation of Texas, Chelsea’s on Cardinal, and Vero Beach Magazine.
Gala sponsors are Windsor Properties and the Shoemate Foundation.
Gold Star sponsors are Charles Schwab & Co., Mel and Nancy Goodes, Dr. and Mrs. Paul Minotty, Ocean Grill Restaurant, and Jean and Jim Ueltschi.
Silver Star sponsors are Norris Company Real Estate, the Grove Harper Family, Indian River Mall, Rosato Plastic Surgery Center, and Signs By Tomorrow.
Tree sponsors are Betty Foster, Brown and Brown Insurance, Diane and Lee Fentress, Faye and Cody Estes, Mr. Daniel Gerard and Mrs. Clare Gerard, Premier Estate Properties, Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club, Dr. and Mrs. John Sarbak, Treasure Coast Sotheby’s International Realty, and Vero Chemical.
Shining Star sponsors are Branigan Optical, Colton and Williams, P.A., Dale Sorensen Real Estate, Jim and Amy Beckley, the Majestic 11, Seacoast National Bank, Stewart Evans Stewart and Emmons, SunTrust Bank, and Treasure Coast Travel Agency.
The Festival of Trees is the major fundraiser for Riverside Children’s Theatre, the educational arm of Riverside Theatre, Inc.
RCT’s mission is to provide affordable cultural enrichment and educational opportunities in drama, dance, and music for youth ages 3 and up.
For more information, please call (772) 234-8052.