FEZtival of Trees to open magical season of Christmas

By Jackie Rybeck

Festival Publicist

Soon, the enchanted spell of Christmas and all its wonder will begin. And what better way to kick off the season than with the FEZtival of Trees at the Kora Shrine Center.

If you have never been to Kora, it is a magical and historical building in itself with its wall-to-wall murals, verdigris domes and exquisitely carved windows. The theme for this year’s FEZtival is The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and as visitors enter the building, they will be delighted with the sights and feel of being in the town of Whoville. Add nearly 70 beautifully adorned trees to be raffled off, and time spent in this magical place will be an experience like no other.

If décor and trees are not enough, the downstairs area has been converted into a crafter’s delight with over 30 area crafters and businesses selling their wares — Christmas shopping made easy!

While downstairs, the smell of homemade soups, meals and sweet treats will draw visitors to the bustling kitchen for a quick hot dog or to sit down for the daily dinner special.

Santa, as usual, has taken time from his busy schedule to listen to children’s requests for those special, Christmas morning surprises and photos will be available as well. And what child can’t wait to be given a reel and fishing pole for presents at the legendary Kora Pond?

Once again, the famous lottery tree will be on display in the silent auction room along with thousands of dollars worth of items to bid on. The 50-50 raffle has been changed a bit so that there will be two lucky winners sharing the large pot of cash. And once again Reggie’s Sales and Service has donated a chain saw to raffle off.

For your listening pleasure, there will be live music each day, including steel drums and brass quintets as well as the Auburn Middle School Chorus and Lewiston High School Band. The Sea Dog’s and Pirate’s mascots will be visiting on opening day to kick off the FEZtival. Adding to the excitement will be WMTW broadcasting live from “Whoville” on Sunday morning.

The hours have been extended once again, and other than Thanksgiving, the FEZtival of Trees will be open to the public every day from Saturday, Nov. 23 through Saturday, Nov. 30, most nights until 8 p.m. Please check our schedule for special events such as Seniors Day and the Chamber’s Business after Hours event.

Parking is not a problem at this highly attended event. Besides the large parking lot, accessible from both Sabattus and Blake streets, there are numerous on-street parking spaces available as well as neighboring unfilled spots which visitors will be directed to. The building is handicapped accessible.

Admission is only $2. Please share with us in this mystical occasion guaranteed to get you into the spirit of Christmas while supporting a historical building and its members so that they may continue their great cause of helping children.