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Holidays at the Crosley Festival of Trees December 1 - 10, 2010 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A plethora of holiday decorations…
Live entertainment…
Intimate afternoon teas…
Sarasota Bay boat rides…
Festive wine tastings…
For eight magical days, the meticulously restored, historic Crosley Estate on Sarasota Bay will be transformed into a glittering holiday wonderland to celebrate the 14th annual “Holidays at the Crosley, Festival of Trees.”
Guaranteed to delight visitors of all ages, the Festival will showcase dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and vignettes by the area's top designers and decorators. The Festival also features rare exhibits of antique Crosley automobiles (weekend only), Crosley radios, and a vintage room-size model train display. Plan to have lunch or refreshments at the bayside pavilion.
Admission to the Tree Festival is $8 and free for children 12 & under.
For more information, call 941-722-3244.
Special Events at this year’s Tree Festival include…
“Afternoon Teas”
Served in the dining room of the historic estate overlooking the beautiful bay, the “tea” will feature homemade scones and other culinary delights exquisitely presented by Zest Catering of Sarasota. Seating is daily at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., as well as 11:30 a.m. seating on Friday and Saturday. The price for the “tea,” which includes admission to the Festival, is $25. Space is limited and sold out early last year, so reserve now by calling 941-924-2535.
“A Crosley Christmas” performed by the Manatee Players
A musical production with your favorite Christmas classics.
Performances are Monday - Friday at 7:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $19 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under, including admission to the Festival. Call 941-748-5875 to reserve tickets.
“Wine Tastings”
Add some holiday cheer to your Festival experience by enjoying an array of specialty wines served in the mansion by Off Broadway Wine and Spirits. The wine tasting is every evening, beginning at 5 p.m. and served with light hors d’oeuvres. Admission to the wine tasting is $10, paid at the festival. No advance reservations.
“Sarasota Bay Boat Rides”
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the beautiful shore of Sarasota Bay onboard the 40 passenger catamaran “Sea Dragon.” Savor spectacular views of some of the area's most cherished landmarks, exquisite homes, and Florida marine life! The boat is operated by Aquarian Quest and departs daily from the Crosley boat basin at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Rides are $8, paid at the festival. No advanced reservations.
The Crosley Estate is at One Seagate Drive off the North Tamiami Trail (US 41), south of the new University of South Florida campus. (8374 North Tamiami Trail, 34243 for GPS users)
Hosted by the Crosley Estate Foundation, proceeds are used to help restore the original Crosley carriage house next to the mansion. The Crosley mansion is a twenty-one room Mediterranean Revival style residence that was built for Powel Crosley Jr. in 1929. Crosley was one of the greatest entrepreneurs of first half of the 20th Century. He was the leading manufacturer of radios in the world and the first to successfully manufacture compact cars and a refrigerator with shelves in the door (called the Shelvador). Crosley also owned the Cincinnati Reds baseball team and WLW, the most powerful radio station in the world. |
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Contact the Powel Crosley Estate at crosleyestate@mymanatee.org Our other facility is the Manatee Convention Center. |
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