WHAT:          Quad City Arts’ Festival of Trees 2016

WHEN:          November 17 – 27, 2016

 

WHERE:       River Center, 136 E. 3rd Street Davenport, IA

 

THEME:        BELLS WILL BE RINGING

 

 

Bells will be ringing and choirs will be singing at the 2016 Festival of Trees in downtown Davenport November 17th-27th.  Under the direction of co-directors Cheryl DeCap and Meghan Peterson, this year’s Festival will have many new things in store that will make it one not to be missed!  Festival of Trees is Quad City Arts’ largest annual fundraiser event in support of local arts programming in the community.  Recognized as one of the top of events of its kind in North America, over 100,000 people experience Festival annually, making it one of the largest attractions in the Quad Cities.  Festival of Trees has a $3 million dollar economic impact on our community and has raised over $7 million dollars in support of local arts since its inception in 1986. 

 

A few highlights this year are:

 

·         A fun, new floor plan! Come and discover Festival as you’ve never seen it before!

 

·         The Festival Express, designed by KJWW Engineering, will have a new layout boasting 3 different levels as well as adding an additional train, making it five trains that adults and kids alike can take turns conducting.

 

·         A new twist on Afternoon Adventure! This year Quad City Arts is partnering with the PUTNAM to bring you a favorite holiday class on the big screen! Enjoy a special movie screening of “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” on the Putnam’s National Geographic GIANT screen theater.  Tickets are $12 each and must be purchased in advance at quadcityarts.com/festival. This event is sponsored by: Northwest Bank & Trust and The Dispatch-Argus.

 

·         Back by popular demand, is Teddy Bear Tea!  Sponsored by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, children are invited to bring their favorite plush animal to a Teddy Bear Tea in the festively decorated Gold Room at Hotel Blackhawk, Davenport.  Children will enjoy a special tea party experience with hot chocolate, teddy bear cut-out cookie decorating, assorted min-sandwiches, while being entertained by a lively holiday puppet show. Tickets are $30 in advance at quadcityarts.com/festival

 

·         New Pre-Parade Breakfast sponsored by Dunkin Donuts from 8:00am-9:30am on the Upper Level of RiverCenter South building.  Drop in for a bite to eat with some donuts, bagels, hot chocolate or a cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee prior to our annual Holiday Parade that kicks off at 9:45am! Kid’s activities will be available at each able to entertain the little ones. Tickets are $15 in advance at quadcityarts.com/festival

 

·         Don’t miss the Festival Premiere party with a chance to bid on some fabulous live auction items including a custom children’s playhouse built and donated by Estes Construction, a private piano session with Grammy Award winning pianist, Laurence Hobgood, a cruise down the Mississippi on a private yacht and a private cocktail party at Necker’s Jewelers for up to 25 guests including a $500 gift card and small gift for each guest.

 

These new features, and more, are being planned by our dedicated and passionate Steering Committee members.  They’re hard at work to help create memories, smiles and a rewarding experience for all attendees.  Of course the traditional Festival attractions will all be back to entice the senses and kick of the holiday season including the North Pole children’s activity center, fabulous designer trees and décor  Gingerbread Village, TreatShoppe, Toy Tree, Honor Trees, Festival Express the High School Art Exhibit and of course CenterStage.

 

 

Our FREE holiday parade will take place on Saturday, November 19th stepping off at 9:45am at 3rd and Pershing and will be broadcast live on KWQC-TV 6 from Me & Billy’s. 23 helium filled balloons will make their way down the streets of downtown Davenport, with such lovable characters as Scooby-Doo, Plex from Yo Gabba Gabba, Tom & Jerry, the Coca-Cola Bear, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph and of course the jolly guy himself, Santa Claus. Title sponsors of the Holiday Parade this year are: Arconic, John Deere, Genesis Health System, KWQC and Regional Development Authority.

Other special events returning this year are: SugarPlum Ball, Sizzlin Soiree, Celebrity Lunch, and the Cheers! Preview Party.

 

 

General Admission Days & Hours:

 

Friday, November 18: 9 am – 12 pm (Senior Event: tickets $5 seniors, $4 Plus 60 Members)
Saturday, November 19: 9 am – 8 pm
Sunday, November 20: 10 am – 8 pm
Monday, November 21: 9 am – 8 pm
Tuesday, November 22: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday, November 23: 9 am – 8 pm
Thursday, November 24: CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING
Friday, November 25: 9 am – 8 pm
Saturday, November 26: 9 am – 8 pm
Sunday, November 27: 10 am – 4 pm

 

Discounted adult general admission tickets available at all Hy-Vee locations.

 

Tinsel Treasures Gift Shop is back with an expanded collection of fresh items for gift giving, including unique décor and accessories.  You will also want to pick up the 2016 Festival Collectible, Isabel Bloom sculpture called “Chillin” the Penguin  which will be available for $31 each. 

 

 

The “Be Original” art gallery, presented by Quad City Arts In the RiverCenter atrium you will find this art gallery featuring original works by regional artists, including jewelry, pottery, glass, wood, paintings and much more.

 

 

Further information, hours and more details are available at www.quadcityarts.com/festival

 

 

All proceeds from Festival of Trees benefit Quad City Arts, a non-profit agency dedicated to the growth and vitality of the Quad City region through the presentation, development and celebration of the arts. Quad City Arts programming includes: Visiting Artist Series (presenting acclaimed performers to over 40,000 area students), Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeships (creative employment for teens), Art Galleries in Rock Island and at Quad City International Airport, Public Art Sculptures throughout the Quad Cities and art services.

 

 

For more information please visit www.quadcityarts.com/festival or call (309) 793-1213

 

 

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