Not wanting to contain all the merriment it offers to the community in just one location, Riverside Children’s Theatre expanded this year’s Starry, Starry Night-themed Festival of Trees celebration to include the entire Riverside Theatre campus, kicking things off Friday evening with a grand Preview Gala.
The committee opted to spread out the ever-growing weekend event, now in its 19th year, and give gala revelers a chance toast the holidays with an evening of cocktails, food and entertainment. Friday night visitors enjoyed a first pick of the wonderful gifts, Christmas decorations and scrumptious goodies at various vendor booths as well as the popular Christmas Shoppe. And, of course, the highlight of the night – beautiful trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses to bid on.
Dazzling holiday displays filled Riverside Children’s Theatre, while over at the main theater building guests enjoyed Catering Revolution’s delicious hors d’oeuvres and a special holiday-themed Howl at the Moon performance.
A long table in the Orchid Lobby was filled with fabulous silent-auction items to raise additional money to help fund the annual Riverside Children’s Theatre budget.
“One of the most exciting items was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Swarovski,” said committee member Kelly Holm. “They gave us these totally unbelievable binoculars that actually adjust to the prescription in your eyes.”
“This was our dream,” said longtime supporter Heidi Waxlax about the festival’s expansion. “We wanted to combine everything because this shows that it is all one campus. The staff did so much work to make the whole complex a beautiful winter wonderland.”
While some guests said they missed the packed frenzy of previous galas, others commented positively on the spaciousness of the displays.
“There is so much more elbow room; it’s a lot easier to see everything,” said Robin Lloyd, commenting on how the new arrangement made it easier to maneuver around the trees and view them from all sides.
As Page Franzel wandered the tree forest with friends, an enormous dragonfly landed on one tree’s star topper, as if by magic. Franzel’s husband and the brother of her assistant had both passed away within the last few years and they believed that dragonflies were a connection to their loved ones.
“Maybe he wants me to buy this one,” Franzel said emotionally. Her assistant stroked the dragonfly she had tattooed on her wrist in her brother’s memory as they shared the touching moment.
“We have come many times before,” said Darby Glenn, attending with Patsy Malone. “There’s nowhere here where you can see so many beautifully decorated trees like this.”
“I am impressed by the energy and love you can see that people put into making these trees,” said Malone. “They have taken their heart and soul and put it into these Christmas trees and you can feel it.”
The Festival continued throughout the weekend with numerous activities, including expos on design and decorating, musical performances by local children, and Breakfast with Santa. There was also a new, highly anticipated children’s skating rink and a Santa’s Village where kids could make crafts and mail off letters to Santa.
