Walking into Riverside Children’s Theatre to view its annual Festival of Trees gives visitors the same feel as sneaking downstairs on Christmas morning to see what Santa has left under the tree. There is a beauty and magic in the air that just radiates Christmas.
Held last weekend, Festival of Trees is one of the most anticipated events of the year, considered by many as the official kick off to the holidays. Every nook was filled with decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses and festive décor, all highlighting this year’s theme, Storybook Forest.
Every presentation had some connection to a book. Even Chelsea’s Catering offered items in character – Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham (deviled eggs with pesto and prosciutto) and How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ Who Roast Beast (rare roast beef with Who-radish sauce.)
“What is so fun about this event is that it is everybody coming together to celebrate the holidays and it is the best organization,” said David Busch, owner of Chelsea’s. His nieces attend RCT’s ballet and dance classes and he said he has seen the benefits of their attendance.
RCT teaches children confidence, team-building and social skills and is applauded by parents as a way to increase children’s concentration levels with their studies and at home.
More than 52 trees decorated by local organizations, businesses and individuals were on display, and guests at the preview party were laying claim to their favorites. Vendors offered dazzling gift items and decorations, and an array of beautiful wreaths and table centerpieces were also available for purchase.
“We put on this event every year to help out our budget with the Children’s Theatre,” said Patti Rooney, Riverside Theatre finance director. “It is one of the major events of Vero.”
Festival of Trees, now in its seventeenth year, draws more than 5,000 people and raises between $80,000 and $100,000 each year.
“It’s such a great community coming together, because everything is decorated and donated by local artisans and businesses. Schools do not have the funds for arts programs anymore so it is places like the Riverside Children’s Theatre which help continue to promote the arts,” said Oscar Sales, Riverside Theatre director of marketing.
The weekend kicked off with a Gala Preview Party Friday evening and went full-tilt Saturday and Sunday, with RCT student performances and RCT On the Go actors, a Songfest of choirs, book readings by local authors, and Breakfasts with Santa.
“Obviously this event is very rewarding; just as any charity work,” said Elizabeth Sorensen, who co-chaired the Preview Party with Angela Waldrop for the second year. “It is a lot of work to get sponsors but it is easy to ask for money because everyone is so willing to help the children in the community. The theater has such a really good set-up and the staff is used to doing these kinds of layouts so that is the easy part.”
“This community is really charitable,” added Waldrop, estimating that roughly 300 people volunteer each year. “And it is not just the financial aspect. They come here and give their time; working days and nights helping us. And maybe they cannot write the big check but they are still out here supporting the theater.”
“All the work done by so many people shows such the incredible commitment everyone has to the children,” said Linda Downey, RCT’s director of education.
