WINONA LAKE - The 2008 Festival of Trees kicks off today at Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake.
The festival continues through Sunday.
General admission today is from noon to 4 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for seniors over 65 and children 6 to 12 years. Infants through 5 years old get in free.
All proceeds from the festival events will benefit the programs of the Health Care Foundation of Kosciusko County.
Visitors will wander through a holiday wonderland of more than 50 Christmas trees and numerous wreaths decorated by local designers.
Patrons can bid on a tree in the silent auction or purchase a tree. Wreaths and floral arrangements also will be on sale. A holiday market will feature unique gifts for the whole family.
Several trees designated Community Giving Trees are being decorated for community families in need of a holiday tree. A portion of the Community Giving Tree sponsorships is used to purchase holiday gifts for the children of the recipient's families.
Viewers are invited to participate in the penny vote for their favorite tree. The winner will be recognized with the Viewer's Choice Award.
Intergenerational Day is planned today. There are special group admission rates for groups of four or more seniors 65 and older.
The Third Annual Red Hat Society Luncheon is Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Advanced tickets are required.
A dessert reception will be Thursday at 2:30 p.m. with entertainment provided by Ric and Grace Lovelady. They will perform songs from the 1900s to the 1960s. Tickets are available at the door. The cost is $10 per person.
A dinner theater featuring the Warsaw Community High School Thespian Troupe will be Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. The cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 10 years. Tickets are available at the door.
Santa and his reindeer will be a part of the reindeer romp activities on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Activities include visiting with Santa, riding the Holiday Express Mini Train around the Village, watching a puppet show or magician and more.
WRSW 107.3 and Willie 103.5 will broadcast live from 10 a.m. to noon. All activities are included in general admission.
The performing arts holiday extravaganza, featuring artists from Provident Studios and Debra Collier's School of Dance, will be Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. The performance is included in general admission.
For more information or to volunteer, call the Health Care Foundation at 574-268-2273 or e-mail info@hcfkc.org
