Santa grabs server Teresa Whalen for a quick two-step
Oh, that’s an easy one! Get over to the Knoxville Convention Center and visit this year’s Fantasy of Trees! More than 2,000 people did that last night. With 300 Christmas trees, a gingerbread village, children’s activities, holiday gift shops and continuous music, it’s impossible not to get that magical feeling.
The whole Fantasy of Trees event is a fundraiser for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. But the opening night gala, which was last night, produces a big chunk of the income.
This is the 25th year for the event and a huge cake station reflected that theme. Other food: a scrumptious beef tenderloin station, a towering shrimp cocktail offering, gourmet macaroni and cheese featuring Benton’s bacon, and a french fry station. Oh, there was a salad station, too, for those who haven’t yet abandoned their reasonable diets for the holidays!
A complete schedule of Fantasy events is on the Web site here. It runs until 6 p.m. on Nov. 29. Some activities I think sound particularly fun are the Babes in Toyland Parade tonight (Wednesday) from 5 to 7 and the handbell concert on Sunday from 1 to 3.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 4 to 12 and free for those under 4. There’s a $1 off coupon in today’s News Sentinel on page A-3. The school coupon book also contains a discount offer.
Here are some snapshots from last night. Merry, merry!
Children's Hosptial CEO Keith Goodwin and Fantasy of Trees Director Elizabeth Thomas
Children's PR goddess Ellen Liston poses with a friendly polar bear. She's so photogenic!
Dr. Reid Crumpton was trying to get off his feet while waiting for his wife to come out of the ladies' room. He found a spot in "Rudolph's Raceway!"
It's no coincidence, I'm sure, that my husband always finds the best-looking women to pose with. At left, Erin Donovan from WBIR-TV; at right, Janet Testerman of Knoxville Magazine
Ellen and Gordon Fowler took the chance to practice the dance lessons they've been taking for a few months
Craig and Melissa Liston came in from Columbus, Ohio. He's former GM of the Knoxville Convention Center.
Dean Littleton of WVLT-TV and his date, Brooke Weston. He's always fun!
There is never a shortage of politicians at these kinds of events. Left, Lynne Fugate who is running for school board. Right, County Commissioner Finbarr Saunders and his wife, Ellen Bebb
Alan, right, chats with state Rep. Joe Armstrong
Mike and Judy McKenzie pose in front of someone who looks a lot like Mike!
Deborah Stevens, the managing partner of the Lewis King law firm, and Alan
JoAnn Dixon and Tiffany Green presided over one of the most popular stops: the beef tenderloin, green bean and asparagus station
WVLT's Shirley Nash-Pitts, right, admires a Christmas tree with her friend, Glenda Gideon
My husband and I never miss The Fantasy Of Trees. One of our family traditions is getting a family photo in the sleigh each year.
In fact, we love the event so much, we got married there, with Mary Lou Horner officiating, in 1997. Talk about a Fantasy!
Wow! That if so cool, Kim! That’s what I call “loving” the Fantasy of Trees!