Trees, Treasures and Traditions.
The 16th Annual Vancouver Rotary Festival of Trees will take place November 25-27, 2011; and culminate with the grand finale Gala Dinner and Auction on Saturday, December 3, 2011. This year’s theme is “Trees, Treasures and Traditions” and will be held at Pearson Air Museum (1115 E 5th Street, Vancouver, USA).
The Festival of Trees is a three day festival which includes the Vancouver Community Tree Lighting at Esther Short Park, Vancouver Pops Holiday Concert, Vancouver Festival of Trees viewing (with entertainment, scavenger hunt and Santa) at Pearson Air Museum, the Hot Buttered Run and the Kids Kandy Kane Race produced by Energy Events (also taking place at Pearson Air Museum) and finishing with the Gala Dinner and Auction (also at Pearson Air Museum).
Thousands of Vancouver residents kick off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving each year by attending the Community Tree Lighting at Esther Short Park (West 8th and Columbia). Come join the fun on Friday, November 25, beginning at 5:30 pm. There will be entertainment, refreshments, elves, and, of course Santa. After the tree lighting, walk across the street to the Vancouver Hilton (301 W 6th St, Vancouver) to enjoy holiday tunes performed by the Vancouver Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Bert Coffman. There is no charge for these events, but a non-perishable food donation is requested.
Last year was the first year the Vancouver Rotary Festival of Trees was held at Pearson Air Museum, and over 7,000 people viewed the festive holiday trees set against the backdrop of vintage airplanes. This year, the gorgeous trees and wreaths will once again be interspersed among vintage airplanes and on display at Pearson Air Museum throughout Friday (noon to 9pm), Saturday (10am to 5 pm) and Sunday (noon to 4pm), November 25-27, 2011. Holiday music will be provided by local entertainers and youth groups. The extremely popular Talking Tree will be chatting away and photos with Santa, taken in a historic airplane, will be available. There is also no charge for this event! What a great opportunity to visit the museum!
Energy Events is continuing the healthy tradition this year with the Hot Buttered Run (12K Run or 5K Run/Walk), and the Kids Kandy Kane Race on Sunday, November 27, 2011. The start and finish will be at Pearson Air Museum. After the run, stay and party with DJ Paradox, and hear the great sounds of the Holidays. Enjoy food and beverage, along with a tasty Hot Buttered Rum for the Adults (over 21), and Hot Chocolate for those under 21. “Energy Events will match every nonperishable food item you bring on race day and donate it to the Clark Country Food Bank. 500 participants with 1 can of food = 1,000 cans a food for the hungry. Please help us support our community by donating to the Clark County Food Bank.” For more information, visit Energy Events.
Put on your favorite holiday attire and begin making wonderful holiday memories by attending the magical Gala Dinner and Auction on Saturday, December 3, 2011. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and bid on trips, golf packages, diamonds, boxing lessons, incredible gift items, gorgeous trees and much, much more. Tickets are $95 , reservations required. Please call 360-750-0409.
“Each year, the Vancouver Rotary Foundation Festival of Trees raises funds for scholarships and community grants in our community. This event is the primary fundraiser for the Foundation. With the exception of the Gala Dinner and Auction and the Hot Buttered Run and Kids Kandy Kane Race, events are free. However, contributions of nonperishable foods for Share House and financial donations to help support the Festival, scholarships and community grants, are most appreciated. Watch for food bins and donation boxes. Thank you for your support!”
