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Painting for ‘Fantasy of Trees’
Ashley Peterson - Thu, Nov, 19, 2009
Fantasy of Trees brings sweet Thanksgiving memories and Christmas cheer to “behind the scenes” decorators and event planners.
Fantasy of Trees showcases hundreds of trees in downtown Knoxville, many designed by students and local artists.
There are special events just for moms with toddlers, seniors, children and the whole family.
Proceeds go to benefit Children’s Hospital.
Last year, nearly 55,000 people attended.
In its 25th year, Fantasy of Trees will be decorated in a “Jingle all the Way Home” theme.
Crafters, public and private school students, local designers, service clubs and an array of others paint ribbons and bows to help spread Christmas cheer through Fantasy of Trees.
The holiday festivities begin Nov. 25 and end Nov. 29. They are open Thanksgiving Day. Many families have incorporated Fantasy of Trees into their Thanksgiving traditions.
“We hear [this is a family tradition] thousands of times once the show opens its doors,” Seth Linkous, associate director for public relations at Children’s Hospital, said.
“Whether it is after Thanksgiving dinner, on black Friday to avoid the shopping malls or if it’s worked in on another day — it is most definitely a holiday tradition.
“We see moms that have a ‘laundry list’ of things they need to do before they leave — two most popular are the thumbprint ornaments and picture with Santa,” he added.
“Fantasy of Trees gives people ideas on how to decorate their own Christmas home and they can purchase the trees they love to benefit Children’s Hospital,” Donna Anderson, a Hardin Valley Academy art teacher, said.
Anderson’s art club at HVA stays after school to work on service projects throughout the year.
They are sponsoring a 7-foot tree this year. The students are painting wooden paintbrushes and mini canvases to go on their tree. The students also painted gifts on a “tree skirt.”
“One of my favorite things is seeing the little kids with their eyes wide, saying, ‘wow,’” Anderson added.
Cedar Bluff Elementary School is sponsoring two trees, a 7-foot and a 4-foot. CBES’s 11 second-grade classes are all decorating red and green felt cut-out letters. When finished, its 7-foot tree will spell out “jingle” many times over in sync with Trees’ “Jingle all the Way Home” theme this year.
Students are encouraged to be creative with their letters. Hollander said her students love crafting together.
Popular favorites are back at Fantasy of Trees: Gingerbread Village, 30-horse carousel and the Holiday Marketplace where baked goods and gifts may be purchased.
During Fantasy’s opening afternoon, 1 to 3 p.m., cake will be served in honor of the event’s silver birthday.
The Fantasy begins at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 24, with a private Fantasy of Trees Gala preview party. There will be food, dancing, shopping in the Holiday Marketplace and holiday trees will be available for previewing and purchase. Tickets should be purchased in advance. Tickets are $150 for adults and $50 for children ages 4-12. Attire is black-tie optional.
Tinsel Time for Moms and Tots will be 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Nov. 25. Returning for its second year, the event caters to moms and toddlers. There will be safety demonstrations and a special gift given to the children. Moms will enjoy half-price admission for the event.
Babes in Toyland Parade begins at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 25. It’s Knoxville’s only indoor parade. Powell High School will be performing and Dollywood characters and entertainers will be paving the way for Santa Claus’ grand finale that night. The parade will broadcast live from 7 to 7:30 p.m. on WVLT-TV Volunteer News.
Santa’s Senior Stroll starts at 9 a.m. and ends at noon, Friday, Nov. 27. Seniors, ages 55 and older, will enjoy half-price admission during the Stroll. There will be special information packets designed just for seniors given during the Stroll.
Kris Kringle’s Kiddie Party has two sessions: 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 27. There will be interactive musical fun for children, pictures with Shoney Bear and a goody bag given at the free event to preschoolers. Tickets are handed out the day of the event; seating is limited.
Unless otherwise mentioned, cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 12. Children ages 4 and under are free.
All funds donated will help purchase equipment for the nuclear medicine service of Children’s Hospital Radiology Department.
Last year, $337,000 was raised for Children’s Hospital.
For more information, visit www.etch.com/fantasy.cfm or call 865-541-8385.
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