Looking for something festive and fun for the holidays that the whole family can enjoy? Look no further than the Louisiana Children's Museum's 2nd Annual Festival of Trees, sponsored by Superior Energy Services. The centerpiece of this fundraiser is the collection of more than 30 whimsical, one-of -a-kind trees (or artistic interpretations of trees) created by community partners that represent the arts, culture, food, literature, and businesses of our great region. Some of the highlights of this year's Festival of Trees include a tree drawing by Dwight Henry, star of the critically acclaimed Beasts of the Southern Wild, and a life-size gingerbread creation by Tariq Hanna of Sucre. There will also be 16 trees created by area schools and children's organization.
The trees will be on display from Dec. 1 through 21, with two great events to launch the Festival of Trees.
On Friday, Nov. 30, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., grown-ups are invited to don their festive attire and bid on the unique trees at the Dessert First Premiere Party. With seasonal cocktails, treats from some of the city's fi nest purveyors of sweets, savory delights by Criollo Restaurant, and lively entertainment by Louis Ford & His New Orleans Flairs and The Preservation Hall Junior Brass Band, this adults-only night at the museum is sure to be a blast.
The following day, Saturday, Dec, 1, from 10:00 -1 :00 p.m., the Family Kick-Off Brunch gives adults and kids alike the opportunity to explore the fantastic forest while enjoying holiday activities, tasty treats by Jamba Juice and the New Orleans Marriott, and a special mingle with the one-and-only Mr. Bingle! There will also be special performances by the New Orleans Jazz Institute and the Children's Dance Theater of New Orleans Dance Academy's production of "The Nutcracker." Plus, families can have the museum all to themselves before the doors open to the public at 1:00 p.m.!
Although it is the museum's newest fundraiser, the Festival of Trees has already become a favorite of both locals and visitors during the holiday season. The funds obtained from the event's ticket sales, raffl e, and tree auction go towards the exhibits and educational programs at the Louisiana Children's Museum, whose mission since it was founded in 1986 has been to engage children and families in memorable, interactive experiences that make growing and learning fun. Whether you are a kid or a just kid at heart, support one of the city's most treasured institutions and celebrate the holidays at the Louisiana Children's Museum's Festival of Trees.
For more details and to purchase tickets to the Festival of Trees events, visit lcm.org or call 504-266-2415.
