Annoucements

Festival of Greens Schedule Announced

November 23, 2010

Nearly 100 decorated or themed wreaths and trees, ranging from the fancy to the funky, will adorn the Cultural Arts Center during the third annual Frederick Festival of Greens.  The downtown Frederick facility will host this event from November 26 to December 5th.  The wreaths and trees have been submitted by artists, businesses, schools, community groups, and other local residents.  All of the submissions are available for purchase during a silent auction that will take place during the entire event.  Bids will be close at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 5th and available for pickup that evening or the following days so they can be used to decorate homes, businesses, or give as gifts for the upcoming holidays.  Many of the submissions also have gift certificates and other merchandise that comes with each piece.

In addition to the wreaths being on display, several other holiday activities are planned during the eight-day event.  The Festival of Greens officially kicks off on Friday, November 26th with the Frosty Friday artist market.  From 10:00-6:00 p.m., approximately thirty artists will be at the facility selling jewelry, pottery, paintings, photography, and other hand-crafted items.  Free giftwrapping will also be available at the event and anyone making a purchase will receive a Festival of Greens totebag, compliments of PNC Bank (while supplies last).

At 8 p.m. that evening, Fredericktowne Players will have a performance of the classic holiday play, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”  This delightful comedy is adapted from the best selling book and is one of the most successful shows FTP has ever produced.  Tickets for the show are $15 for adults and $10 for students.  Other performance times for this show include Saturday, November 27th at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday, November 28th at 2 p.m., Friday, December 3 at 8 p.m., Saturday, December 4th at 2 p.m. and Sunday, December 5th at 2 p.m.

Author Lucie Snodgrass will be on hand for a book signing and special tasting featuring her new cookbook “Dishing Up Maryland” on Sunday, November 28th.  From 12:00-2:00 p.m., Canapes, Cakes for a Cause, and Home at Braddock Inn will offer samples of recipes featured in the book.  Tickets are $20 per person and copies of the cookbook will be available for purchase and signing.

On Thursday, December 2nd, Celebrate Frederick’s annual Scents and Sweets event will be held starting at 5:30 p.m.  Amateurs and professionals alike participate in this annual event showcasing the holiday season through sight and smell.  Attendees will have a chance to check out and vote on their favorite gingerbread structures and floral arrangements that reflect the general mood of “The Holidays.”

CakeLove owner and founder Warren Brown will be in Frederick on Saturday, December 4th at 1:00 p.m. to discuss and sign copies of his latest book “United Cakes of America.”  This book features a cake recipe from every state, including Maryland’s official Smith Island Cake.  The book will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

As part of December’s First Saturday activities in downtown Frederick a special holiday artist market will be held on December 4th from 5:00-9:00 p.m.  Nearly twenty-five artists will have their artwork on display and available for purchase.  This event is being organized to provide shoppers with a great opportunity to purchase local artwork as unique gift ideas.  Join us for a bit of nostalgia as well, as roasted chestnuts will be available that evening.

In addition, Dancing Bear Toys will also host their eighth annual Holiday Market for Kids at the Cultural Arts Center.  Young shoppers can find something special for family, friends, and teachers at this seasonal shop. All products are $8 and under, and the selection is exclusively Fair Trade. The holiday market will be open 12-8 p.m. on November 26-27, 5-7 p.m. on December 2. The remainder of the hours are 4pm to 8pm on the following Friday and 12pm to 8pm on the remaining Saturday.

Although the theater production and one of the book events have admission costs, the other activities are free and open to the public.  The presenting sponsor of the Festival of Greens is Gaver Holdings with additional support from PNC Bank, Christmas Décor, and Text Design.  In addition, patrons are encouraged to pick up a puzzle piece to see if they have one of the missing pieces of the Ellen Byrne designed Festival of Greens puzzle– available while supplies last.  Individuals that have a matching puzzle piece will win a prize donated by one of our artists.  For more information, contact the Frederick Arts Council at 301-662-4190.