The Kora Shrine Temple in Lewiston kicks off the 2007 holiday season with its unique 2nd annual FEZtival of Trees, named for the distinctive headgear by which Shriners are known throughout the world. The atmosphere inside the century-old temple at the corner of Sabattus and Main streets in Lewiston is redolent with the sights, smells and sounds of the season. "Breathtaking," is the most frequent observation.

As a fundraising event to support the local temple, its fraternity and good works, the Kora Shrine started this inimitable event last year, with nearly two dozen trees on display. Trees are sponsored by individuals and businesses, are fully decorated, and are arrayed in the temple's great Ceremonial Hall for two weeks in November.

Visitors can participate in raffles for each individual tree, and winners will be drawn as the FEZtival concludes on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. There are also all sorts of other raffles, live entertainment, a silent auction, plenty of food, and a craft fair. Santa will drop by for photos with the kids on Monday, November 19, from 4 to 8 in the evening.

Kora Shrine spokesman, Tim Luttrell, an organizer of the 2007 event, said "Last year's FEZtival was our first, and it was terrific. We're expecting an even bigger and better time this year." Luttrell explained that similar festivals are offered by Shrine organizations in lots of other cities, "In some cases," he said, "these fairs are the biggest holiday events in the community. We're hoping that our FEZtival can grow into something like that."

In addition to a chance to get an early start on the holiday spirit, and perhaps win a tree for your own home, the FEZtival provides a rare opportunity for the general public to visit the iconic temple that has dominated Lewiston's downtown for nearly 100 years. Among the oldest and most ornate facilities still in use anywhere in the U.S. network of Shriners' organizations, the building itself has been shrouded in mystery for much of its history here. A frequent destination for Shriners and Masons visiting from all over the world, the Temple will be open to the public only during FEZtival hours:

Saturday and Sunday

November 17 and 18

10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Monday, November 19

(Santa and Kids photos) 4-8 p.m.

Tuesday, November 20

Chamber Business

After Hours

catered by DaVinci's



Closed for Thanksgiving, Wednesday - Thursday

November 21-22

Friday, November 23

10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Saturday, November 24

10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Admission to the temple and the FEZtival is just $2 per person (kids are free), and tickets for the tree raffle are five for $10. You can enter to win an individual tree five times, five different trees once each, or anything in between.

While income from admissions and raffles are used for maintenance of this unique meeting place, proceeds from craft sales accrue to the participating crafters. One example is the Helping Hands of York County, back for their second year. This is an organization of women whose purpose is to help Maine parents with living expenses while their child is receiving treatment at Shriners Hospitals for Children, the overarching charity founded and supported by the Shrine organization.

Known for its special combination of family-oriented fun and philanthropy, the Kora Shrine has created the FEZtival as a way to celebrate the season. All are welcome for this limited time opportunity to see beyond the walls.