Melha Shriners ‘Feztival’ returns for its ninth year

Nov. 25, 2019 | Danielle Eaton
daniellee@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD – For the ninth year, the Melha Shriners Feztival of trees will grace the holiday season with dozens of beautifully decorated trees.

However, for the first time this year’s Feztival will be at a new location. Editor of the Melha Shriners Springfield fraternal organization, Robert Aubin told Reminder Publishing the event used to take place in the fraternal organization’s building on Longhill Street in Springfield.

However, the building was sold earlier in the year, leading the organization to host the event at the Clarion Hotel and Aqua Lagoon Waterpark on 1080 Riverdale St. Despite the new location, Aubin said the event will be run “pretty much like we did in the past.”

In addition to an “expanded breakfast with Santa” Aubin said there will be a variety of activities. “We have the various Christmas trees, a box where people can get raffle tickets, 50/50 drawings, craft vendors,” he said.

The artfully decorated trees donated by various organizations and individuals will be on display in the hotel from Nov. 29 until Dec. 8. Throughout the event people will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win the tree of their choosing. Raffle tickets can be bought at the event and are $5 for 15 tickets.

Breakfast with Santa will feature breakfast, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the chance to take a photo with Santa and entry into the Feztival with time to look at all the trees. Children 3-years-old and under get into breakfast with Santa for free.

The breakfast will take place Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. and tickets cost $5 per person. However, both 10 a.m. time slots had been filled as of press time. Ticket sales for the breakfast end one week before each event and can be bought online at https://melhashriners.org/breakfastwithsanta/.

Aubin said the Feztival will also feature a low stimulation night on Dec. 3 for children with disabilities. From 4 to 8 p.m. there will be softer lighting, no music and adapted activities. Aubin said admission is free to those attending the low stimulation night. To reserve a spot and visit with Santa during low stimulation night you can visit https://melhashriners.org/events/sensory-friendly-santa/.

The Feztival will be open during the following dates and times:

• Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Dec. 2 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Dec. 3 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Dec. 4 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Dec. 5 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Dec. 6 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Dec. 7  from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission is $2 and free for children 12-years-old and under.

Aubin said all money raised during the event goes to the Melha Shriners Springfield fraternal organization. “It allows us to continue in the community and supports our philanthropy, which is the hospital,” he said.

For more information on the event you can visit https://melhashriners.org/feztivaloftrees/.

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