11/12/20
A 34 YEAR EVERSON TRADITION CARRIES ON WITH HYBRID OF ON-SITE AND VIRTUAL OFFERINGS
Festival Finale Event to be held virtually on Dec. 5 and hosted by CNY Central’s Michael Benny
From November 27 through December 5 the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse will present a reimagined version of its Festival of Trees tradition. This year, the newly branded Festival of Trees & Light will blend time-honored traditions like the on-site selection of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, holiday décor, and a small selection of public performances, with a new multi-day online auction and virtual Festival Finale Event. The December 5 live Festival Finale will be packed with performances, special appearances, prize drawings, and final auction bidding. Hosted by CNY Central’s Michael Benny, the event will begin at 6 p.m. for all to enjoy from the comfort of their home.
“This event usually attracts thousands of people each year to downtown Syracuse. This year the Everson, like so many other cultural institutions, has had to adapt to a difficult time. We’re incredibly excited to still be able to bring the community together in a new and creative way,” said Festival of Trees & Light co-chair, Pattie Miller.
The online auction is free to browse, $10 to bid, and $100 for premium tickets. Any ticket purchase will provide entry to the Festival Finale Event on December 5. Premium tickets include a swag bag containing Everson-branded gift shop items and edible party goodies to enjoy during the program, as well as a chance to send in a video greeting for inclusion in the Finale broadcast, a chance to win a CNY Shopping Spree, and admission to the on-site displays at the Everson. Auction items include everything from an Andy Warhol silkscreen to experiences like a one-week getaway to Crested Butte, Colorado. Tickets are now on sale at FOTL20.givesmart.com.
The focus of this year’s Festival will emphasize all the ways in which the arts bring light and hope to the community. Co-chair Liz Herrick explains, “To better reflect and embrace our richly diverse community, we renamed our celebration, Festival of Trees & Light. Lightsignifies many things in culture, tradition and everyday practices. We want to work with all facets of our community to bring people back to Syracuse this season and always.”
For event information and tickets go to everson.org/FOTL20.
