By Kathy L. Collins
The SouthShore Regional Library and the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library will host the Festival of Trees on Saturday, December 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the library located at 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin.
Beginning on Tuesday, November 27, you can come to the library and view and even bid on 20 wreaths and 20 trees that will be festively displayed throughout the library. You can do this at any time that the library is open.
The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library and two local elementary schools, Ruskin Elementary and Dobey Elementary. Local businesses sponsor the wreaths and the trees.
On Saturday, December 8, you will not want to miss the fun and excitement of the Festival of Trees. Laurie Burhop, Art Coordinator for the John Crawford Gallery and Education Studio said, “This is a fun event for kids and their families alike. The whole family will enjoy it.”
Mrs. Claus will kick off the Festival of Trees with a program. There will be tons of kids’ activities outside on the James J. Harkins IV Plaza including balloon making. In addition to fun, you will also be able to purchase popcorn, hot dogs and shave ice.
Santa Claus will be on hand for photographs. At 6 p.m., students from Ruskin Elementary will perform in the Community Room. This performance will be followed by a performance from the students at Dobey Elementary at 6:30 p.m.
Then, the presentation of the festival of Trees will take place at 7:30 p.m. and the highest bidder of the trees and wreaths will be announced.
You will not want to miss this fun event. There will be raffle tickets available for fantastic gift baskets which will be displayed throughout the library. This is a great opportunity to not only support the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library but also two great local schools. The Friends are the ones who sponsor and make possible many of the free events held at the library.
For more information on the Festival of Trees and other upcoming events at the SouthShore Regional Library, please call 273-3652.
