Full Slate For HolidayFest

HolidayFest 2007 “Unwraps” the magic of the season
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"The theme for this year’s HolidayFest is “Downtown Unwrapped,” and for the occasion many organizations and businesses downtown will feature a unique ice sculpture by Stephan Koch of Indiana Ice Studio. Created especially for HolidayFest 2007, the sculptures will be unveiled the night of the lighting ceremony and will only be on display for a limited time — weather permitting, of course.

The Embassy Theatre, the Lincoln Museum, the Botanical Gardens, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, History Center, Scottish Cultural Society, Headwaters Oark and Science Central are participating in HolidayFest 2007 with a range of activities throughout the season.

It all begins on Wednesday, November 21, with the official downtown lighting ceremony. In addition to the lighting of Santa and his reindeer at the National City Bank on Main Street, you’ll also see the lighting of the Wells Fargo Holiday Tree at the Wells Fargo building on the corner of Wayne and Calhoun streets, and the lighting of the Indiana Michigan Power Christmas Wreath at One Summit Square.

That night, the Embassy begins its HolidayFest celebrations with the debut of the displays in the Harrison Street windows and Holiday Pizzazz, a special holiday song and dance spectacular featuring Pizzazz School of Performing Arts.

That’s only the beginning of what promises to be a packed weekend of activities at the Embassy. Thanksgiving Day is the “Festival of Keys,” featuring continuous live music on the Grand Page Pipe Organ from 4 – 8 pm.

Then, the one and only Santa Claus stops by Friday and Saturday morning for breakfast. Friday is also the opening of the Embassy’s annual “Festival of Trees,” with ongoing live entertainment on the Embassy stage from 12 – 8 p.m. through Sunday. You’ll be able to catch performances by regional dance and performance groups, visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus in Santa Land and browse in the gift shop.

That first weekend at the Embassy wraps up on Sunday with a showing of The Polar Express on the theater’s enormous screen.

The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Garden is also getting in on the fun with a month-long holiday celebration including their Holiday Kick-Off Party, Wonderland of Wreaths, Visits with Santa & the Reindeer, $1 Saturday, Piñata Paradise, and more. The holiday kick-off party features a journey to the North Pole with a ride on the Polar Express. Enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie, make a wish, meet Mrs. Claus, get a photo with Santa, and also meet Becka and Teeka, two live reindeer.

This is the only beginning of the many events and activities happening downtown this holiday season. The History Center’s Gingerbread Wonderland opens on the night of the lighting ceremony with a special $2 ticket price, while the Lincoln Museum offers a host of special activities and displays. There are also fun and exciting things happening at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Science Central, and Headwaters Park."