November 17, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2008 WINTER FANTASY OPENING DAY IS AN EXCITING COMMUNITY EVENT FOR ALL
(2008 Winter Fantasy opens Saturday, November 22 at 10 am)
Laguna Beach, Ca – Marking the official start of the 18th annual Winter Fantasy, Santa Claus will make his grand entrance to the Sawdust grounds in a festive eco-friendly car (compliments of Sawdust Sustainability Consultant Chris Prelitz), Saturday, November 22 at 10 am. The 2008 Winter Fantasy will be home to 170 creative artisans four weekends from
November 22 to December 14. With holiday-themed booths, the fine artists and craftspeople are excited to share and sell their unique handcrafted creations to the public. Special opening day festivities include:
• Mariachi Divas – The popular all-girls mariachi band will perform on the Main Entertainment Deck from 11 am to 3:30 pm.
• Top of the World Honors Chorus – The honors chorus from Top of the World local elementary school will perform in Towne Square from 4 pm to 4:30 pm.
• Laguna Beach Community Concert Band – The town’s favorite community band willentertain on the Main Entertainment Deck from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
• Community Tree Displays – Fifteen participating community groups have each decorated a themed holiday tree on display around Towne Square, including:
o American Legion Auxiliary
o Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach
o Casa Cultural, Saybrook Park
o CSP Youth Shelter
o Cub Scout Pack 35, Laguna Beach
o Daisy Girl Scout Troop 717
o Festival of Arts
o First Thursdays Art Walk
o Girl Scout Brownie Troop 834 & 145
o Girl Scout Troop 594
o Laguna Beach Brownie Troop 308
o Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce
o Laguna Beach Girl Scouts Troop 948
o Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau
o Laguna Presbyterian Preschool
Trees will be judged for best-spirited decorations and winners will be announced at 5:30 pm.
• Community Tree Lighting Ceremony – Officially kicking off the holiday season, the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 5:30 pm. Mayor Jane Egly will formally light the Community Tree and winners of the Community Tree and Exhibitor Booth holiday decorating contest will be announced. The 18th Annual Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Art Festival runs for four weekends: November 22 & 23, November 28, 29 & 30, December 6 & 7 and December 13 & 14. Hours are 10 am – 6 pm. Adult admission is $6; Seniors $5, age 65 and up; $3 for children age 6-12; children under five years of age are free; and $9 for a Season Pass. The festival is located at the Sawdust Art Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. For additional information, please visit www.sawdustartfestival.org or call 949-494-3030.
promoting the art created in Laguna Beach.