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The 19th Annual Winter Fantasy, “A World of Art and Imagination,” begins Saturday, November 21. Over 170 talented artisans, many whom have traveled from out of town, will create, showcase and sell their original artwork on the Sawdust’s grounds, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of holiday decorations. These featured Winter Fantasy artists and craftspeople handcraft each piece of art, creating a unique and rare holiday shopping experience for visitors. Art media include art glass, ceramics, jewelry, clothing and textiles, paintings, gourds, photography, mixed-media and more.
Visitors will see art created before their eyes in the artists’ booths and at our ever-popular Glass-blowing Booth, as well as have the opportunity to explore their own creativity and take an art class at the Sawdust Studio, Ceramic Center or Children’s Art Spot.
In addition to the original artwork, visitors will also find 170 hand-constructed art booths, live entertainment, great outdoor cafés, the festival’s classic Town Square, Community Trees decorated by various local organizations, and Santa Claus. Falling snow, themed Community Trees, the Holiday Gingerbread House and the beautiful outdoor eucalyptus grove make for great photo ops.
New this year will be a small farm animal petting zoo presented by Zoomars, where guests can get up close and personal with their favorite furry friend. This year’s Special Winter Art Series will also introduce new and unique art classes in a wide variety of media, available to guests who sign up.
The 9th Annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, a Laguna Beach tradition, will begin on opening day at 6 pm, when Laguna Beach Mayor Kelly Boyd will formally light the Community Tree and announce the winners of the community tree and artist booth decorating contest, kicking off our official 2009 holiday season. To help celebrate the opening event, special guests and community performers including the Laguna Community Concert Band, Sasha Evans, Rene’s Marionettes, Laguna Presbyterian Church hand-bell group, Top of the World honors chorus, Balloon Diva and, of course, Santa will entertain the crowd. Complimentary holiday cookies and apple cider will be provided during the opening ceremony. Laguna Beach residents are admitted free with ID after 3 pm on opening day.
Throughout the remainder of the festival, guests can participate in the special community events planned for this winter show, including Toys for Tots, a foundation supported by the Marine Corps Reserve. With a mission of collecting toys to distribute as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community, visitors to the 2009 Winter Fantasy can show their support by contributing new unwrapped toys for children, newborn to age 17, while also meeting in-person the Marines on the festival grounds.
* Nov 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 - Toys for Tots toy drive (free admission for every new unwrapped toy for newborn to age 17 brought to Sawdust Box Office)
* Dec 5, 6, 12, 13 - Puppy adoption with Pet Project Foundation and local animal shelters *
* Dec 6, 13 - Canned food drive for Laguna Resource Center *
* Santa’s hours are 10:30 am – 5:30 pm each day
* Only service animals on grounds
* No smoking
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