Embassy Theatre news release:
The Embassy Extends Hours and Days of Festival of Trees to Accommodate New Capacity Limitations
(November 19, 2020) – Due to the governor’s new executive order and the Allen County Board of Health’s reduction in total gathering capacity to 100 or less, the Embassy has made some adjustments to this year’s 36th annual Festival of Trees. The Embassy encourages the public to think of this as a unique opportunity to have an exclusive and intimate holiday experience that can be enjoyed without crowds while still supporting the Embassy Theatre during a challenging year.
Founded in 1984, the Festival of Trees supports ongoing operational and restoration efforts for the Embassy Theatre Foundation. The festival is the organization’s largest annual fundraising event.
Changes to the 2020 Festival of Trees are as follows:
- The Embassy made the hard decision to cancel all stage performances so that it can adhere to the lower capacity number for the health and wellbeing of the community.
- We will not be screening Irving Berlin’s classic White Christmas on Thanksgiving Day.
- The Embassy is extending some hours and adding additional days (see full schedule outlined at the end of the release).
- The festival opening day on Nov. 25 now starts at 4 p.m.
- Days are being added to accommodate additional patrons: Thursday, Dec. 3 through Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020.
- Tickets are purchased for timed entry in 90-minute increments for all days from Nov. 25 – Dec. 2, 2020. Tickets are purchased for timed entry in 60-minute increments for all days from Dec. 3 – 6. This allows the Embassy to thoroughly clean and sanitize between each time period.
COVID-19 Considerations for the Festival of Trees
The Embassy is following board of health guidelines for patrons, staff and volunteers.
Facial Coverings: Masks or face shields are required. No exceptions. Any patron unwilling to wear a mask is encouraged to purchase a virtual ticket.
Ticketing: There are a limited number of tickets for each 60- or 90-minute time block. The organization encourages patrons to purchase in advance. If a time block is filled when a patron arrives, entry may be available in another timed entry block.
Cleaning the Building: Between each 60- or 90-minute time block there will be rigorous cleaning of frequently touched surfaces along the traffic path as well as in restrooms.
Virtual Santa: Santa Claus is still joining the festival virtually, and families will be able to see and talk to him and take a picture with Santa in Santa Land.
One-way Traffic: All walking traffic patterns will be one way. The trees will be positioned to facilitate this pattern. Signage will be clear and staff will be available to clarify the walking path.
Food: No food or beverages will be sold or allowed in the festival so that patrons can remain masked.
Online Program: The Festival of Trees program booklet will be available online this year to create a touchless experience by scanning a QR code or accessing it on the Embassy web page. The Embassy encourages patrons to access this guide through their phone or device. Voting for favorite trees and entries for raffles will also be online.
Virtual Festival of Trees: For those unable to attend the Festival of Trees, a video tour will be available as a ticketing option. The virtual ticket will be for sale on Nov. 25 and the online tour will be available for viewing Dec. 3, 2020, through Jan. 1, 2021. (A link will be emailed to virtual ticket buyers to share the video tour of the trees.)
Individuals 65 years of age and older or those in high-risk categories are encouraged to not attend the event. Patrons are asked to assess their health before arriving and stay home if ill or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Any patrons who arrive at the Embassy ill or displaying symptoms of COVID- 19 will be sent home. While the Embassy works hard to reduce exposure to COVID-19, the public is assuming the inherent risk of possible exposure.
The Embassy encourages patrons to visit http://fwembassytheatre.org/2020-festival-of-trees/ for the most up-to-date source of information.
Tickets:
- $10/adult (13+ years)
- $5/youth ages 1-12
- Children under 1 year old are free (ticket required)
- $25 Virtual Tour (video available Dec. 3)
Tickets are available NOW for purchase at the STAR Bank box office at the Embassy Theatre at 125 W. Jefferson Blvd. in downtown Fort Wayne (260.424.5665), fwembassytheatre.org as well as ticketmaster.com.
2020 Festival of Trees Hours and Schedule of Events
Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020 (OPEN TO PUBLIC: 4-9:30 p.m.) – OPENING DAY
Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020 (OPEN TO PUBLIC: 2-9:30 p.m.) – THANKSGIVING DAY
Friday, Nov. 27-Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020 (OPEN TO PUBLIC: 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.)
- 8-10:45 a.m.: Breakfast with Santa – Join Santa for breakfast at the Embassy during the Festival of Trees. Separate event ticket required ($30 per person). Includes a private tour of the festival before it opens to the public and then Breakfast with Santa programming to begin around 9 a.m. Local food vendor featured as well as an engaging holiday performance from the Fort Wayne Youtheatre. Patrons should enter through theater lobby. Seating is very limited.
Monday, Nov. 30-Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020 (OPEN TO PUBLIC: 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020 (OPEN TO PUBLIC: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.)
Friday, Dec. 4-Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020 (OPEN TO PUBLIC: 11 a.m.-8:45 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 (OPEN TO PUBLIC: 2:15-4:30 p.m.) – FINAL DAY
The 2020 Festival Trees is made possible by support from Fort Wayne Metals, Indiana Michigan Power, Chuck & Lisa Surack and Sweetwater and SDI.
Media sponsors are Fort Wayne Newspapers, ABC21, Majic 95.1 and The Papers.
Activities at the Embassy are made possible in part by Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.
About the Embassy Theatre
Built in 1928, the Embassy Theatre is Indiana’s largest self-sustaining historic theater. Originally known as the Emboyd, with the adjoining seven-story Indiana Hotel, the majestic movie palace and vaudeville theater introduced Indiana to the biggest stars of stage and screen. Today, the Embassy is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Combining the beauty of a bygone era with the energy and diversity of today’s performers, the Embassy is the showplace of Northern Indiana. Many choose to host events and weddings at the Embassy, as it offers flexibility and a unique event experience in an iconic piece of Fort Wayne history. Visit the Embassy at fwembassytheatre.org for more information.
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