Published: October 09, 2008 04:34 pm      

Festival of Trees 2008 special events¡¦ schedule and ticket information

DANVILLE — Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation announces the special events, and ticket information for ¡§Believe,¡¨ the Festival of Trees 2008, to be held Nov. 15-19 at the David S. Palmer Arena.

General admission prices are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors 55+ and $2 for children 3-12. Children 2 and under are free. All children are free on Family Day, Nov. 16.

The 2008 Title Sponsors of Festival of Trees are Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic and Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation.

Special event tickets go on sale Saturday.

All tickets will be sold through the David S. Palmer Arena. Buy in person at the box office, online at http://www.palmerarena.com or by calling 1-877-77- CLICK.

For general information or group admission tickets, call 442-6583.

ƒÞ Teddy Bear Breakfast

What could be more fun than a great breakfast buffet attended by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the Festival Mascots? Combined with special entertainment, fun and a tour of the festival, this event is a wonderful outing for children of all ages. Every child receives a goody bag of prizes including a new book. Bring your camera for photo opportunities with our special guests. Sponsored by The Quaker Oats Co.

Seatings at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Nov. 15. Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required. Tickets: $7.50.

ƒÞ The Polar Express

Join us as we recreate the magical journey made famous in author Chris Van Allsburg¡¦s book ¡§The Polar Express.¡¨ Children and their families begin their journey of make- believe with a pajama judging contest. Conductors will escort our passengers to the ¡§Polar Express¡¨ (buses) where chefs serve hot chocolate and candies with nougat centers as white as snow. Carols will be sung in anticipation of their arrival at the Festival of Trees and the ¡§North Pole.¡¨ A reading of the Polar Express, musical entertainment and a surprise from Santa await all passengers. Sponsored by: Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation.

The Nov. 15 event begins at 6 p.m. at the Village Mall and departs at 6:15 p.m.

The Nov. 16 event begins at 5 p.m. at the Village Mall and departs at 5:15 p.m.

Returns to the mall will be by 8:30 p.m. Nov. 15 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16.

Reservations are required. Tickets: $10.

ƒÞ Student Tours

Students from Pre-K to second grade in the Danville area will enjoy the Festival with their own special guided tour and receive craft projects for their classroom. Sponsored by: Danville Metal Stamping Co., Inc.

ƒÞ Family Day

On Family Day, Nov. 16, all children who attend the Festival with an adult are admitted free.

Family Day is also Pickle Day ¡V the fourth annual presentation of the ¡§Hunt for the Pickle¡¨ ornaments hidden in six selected Christmas trees. Families enjoy the search for the pickle ornaments and have a chance to win one of six prizes.

In honor of Veteran¡¦s Day, all veterans will be admitted free on Nov. 16 as well. A special tribute to the veterans and their families will be presented on stage at 2 p.m.

Sponsored by: Thyssen Krupp Presta Danville LLC & Systrand Presta Engine System.

ƒÞ Holiday Ladies Luncheon

Bring your girlfriends and join us for an afternoon of great food, wonderful entertainment and a special gift, not to mention lots of fun and laughter. The luncheon menu will feature a delectable cuisine sure to delight the palate. Sponsored by: Morgan Stanley ¡V The Myers Group.

The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. ¡V 1:30 p.m. Nov. 17. Tickets: $26. Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required.

ƒÞ Celebrete in the Vigneto

The Festival¡¦s newest event, which pairs wine tasting and hors d¡¦ oeuvres. Relax with friends as you unwind to the music and sample an array of wines handcrafted from grapes grown at the Alto Vineyards in southern Illinois. Savor the delicious assortment of gourmet hors d¡¦oeuvres thoughtfully prepared to complement the selection of both the red and white wines being featured. You¡¦ll be sure to find a favorite, perfect for the holidays and entertaining guests. Sponsored by CharDonnay Dialysis.

Reservations are required for the event held at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 18. Adults only, please. Tickets: $30.

ƒÞ Children¡¦s McMovie Star Night

Our guests will be treated like the celebrities they are as they walk the red carpet to our McMovie Star Night Premier. They will enjoy dinner from McDonald¡¦s, special prizes, admission to the Festival and entertainment by the one and only Ronald McDonald. After dinner and an exciting time at the Premier, every movie star will get to share in the limelight as they become part of the entertainment on the Festival stage at the conclusion of the event. Bring your camera for photo opportunities. Sponsored by: McDonald¡¦s DND Witzel Enterprises.

Seating for the event is at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 17. Tickets: $7.50.

Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required.