The Festival of Trees Elves – the dedicated steering committee members have been working very hard to sprinkle a little extra holiday magic into what has become the local kick-off to the holiday season.
The event takes place Nov. 9–13, at the David S. Palmer Arena.
The magical transformation of the arena may appear to happen overnight, however there are lots of plans, activities and ways to get involved already underway.
This year marks the 27th Festival of Trees. In 2021, the event transferred from being presented by OSF HealthCare to Balloons Over Vermilion NFP. Combined with its sister event Balloons Over Vermilion, net profit proceeds from both events have donated over $500,000 to schools, teams, mentors, attractions, organizations and community groups that benefit local children and their families.
“The true North Pole Magic we celebrate is the extraordinary giving spirit everyone experiences each year through this marquee community event. The impact of your generosity is felt across the county and cannot be fully measured. Come join us and feel the Magic,” shared Pat O’Shaughnessy, board chair.
Sponsor information is available on the sponsorship tab at festivaloftreesdanville.com.
Anyone interested in sharing their creativity as a FOT designer of a 7-foot or 4.5-foot tree or wreath is invited to the designer open house, Thursday, Sept. 26, from 6-8 p.m. at the historic Fischer Theatre. RSVP’s are required to fotdanvilledesigners@gmail.com. Designer guidelines and participation forms are available online at festivaloftreesdanville.com/designer. Designers are assigned as sponsorship forms flow in, so sign up early.
Tickets for the 2024 FOT special events go on sale on Monday, Sept. 23, at 10 a.m. This year’s ticketed special events include:
Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9-10:30 a.m., Pre-Historic Pit Stop – Breakfast at Santa’s Dino Truck Park, tickets are $20 per person
Saturday, Nov. 9, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Glow Ho-Ho | Adult Bingo, tickets are $30 per person
Sunday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m.-Noon, Princess Tea Party, tickets are $20 per person
Sunday, Nov. 10, 5-7 p.m., Neon North Pole | Family Bingo, tickets are $20 per person
Monday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Ladies Luncheon, tickets are $45 per person
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Bourbon, Bubbles & Brew, tickets are $60 per person
Full event details are available at festivaloftreesdanville.com. All special event tickets sell out and the Princess Tea Party, Ladies Luncheon and Santa’s breakfast are the quickest to go, according to event organizers.
Tickets are available online at festivaloftreesdanville.com or palmerarena.com. Tickets purchased online will have an Etix vendor fee added. Attendees can save money on ticket purchases by buying them in person at the David S. Palmer Arena, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The David S. Palmer Arena is now a clear bag event venue. Purses and backpacks exceeding certain sizes are not allowed. In addition, patrons will be asked to pass through the arena’s metal detectors when entering the arena. Diaper bags are allowed but are subject to wand scan and search by security. Cash is encouraged, however ATM’s are located across the street.