52
thePeorian.com
N
othing says the holidays
like helping others less
fortunate and, of course,
a beautifully decorated Christmas
tree.
Crittenton Center’s annual
Christmas tree festival is a way
the two can mix to help the
center’s mission of protecting and
nurturing children and families.
The 4th Annual Festival of
Trees is scheduled for Nov. 30
through Dec. 2 at Expo Gardens
on Northmoor Road.
“
Festival of Trees is a commu-
nity-wide event that will surely
put everyone in the holiday
spirit. More than 50 beautifully
decorated trees will be on display
to enjoy, as well as to bid on
to take home. Other highlights
from the weekend will include a
gift shop, an out-and-about gift
certificate tree, a snack shop, a
Saturday Night Pajama Party,
on-going family friendly enter-
tainment and so much more,”
said Danielle Easton, develop-
ment and marketing director for
Crittenton Center. “If you love
Christmas, don’t miss this event.”
Admission is $5 for adults and
$3 for seniors over 60 and chil-
dren ages 3 to 14. Kids under age
3
are admitted free.
The event actually kicks off
Thursday, Nov. 29 with a “Jingle
&
Mingle” cocktail party from
5:30
to 8:30 p.m., with music by
the Larry Harms Trio. The cost
is $30 and patrons would be able
to see the decorated trees to be
auctioned and submit bids that
night.
On Friday seniors get free
coffee and cookies while visiting
the festival and viewing the trees,
visiting the Crittenton Center
gift shop and enjoying day long
entertainment.
On Saturday Dec. 1 there will be
a kids’ pajama party with Julie K
and Santa Claus from 5 to 8 p.m.
BID ON A TREE, HELP A CAUSE
Crittenton Center event helps protect
and nurture children and families
Paul Gordon
Not For Profit
The Stocking Stuffer Store operated by the Crittenton Centers in Peoria, enable children 12 and under to buy small,
inexpensive gifts for their parents or other loved ones with the help of a volunteer. Here a child wraps her gift last
year while on the next page some of the volunteers stood ready to help. The store opens Dec. 1 at Northwoods Mall
and on weekends during December at Shoppes at Grand Prairie.
