Christmas Tree Elegance

by Inlander Staff


Christmas Tree Elegance has long been regarded as one of most, well, elegant events of the holiday season in Spokane. This year's 20th anniversary edition takes place in the newly restored Davenport Hotel, moving it up another notch on the elegance scale. Sponsored by the Spokane Symphony Associates for the benefit of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra, the week-long series of events begins at 5:30 pm the day after Thanksgiving, with a Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Davenport immediately following the community Tree Lighting and Reindeer March at Riverfront Park and River Park Square. The Angus Scott Pipe Band will be on hand to lend a Highland touch to the festivities.


For the week to follow, the public is invited to view 10 beautifully decorated trees on the mezzanine. Raffle tickets are available for only $1 each for a chance to win one of the trees, complete with decorations and gifts, or a bronze statue by noted bronze artist Dorothy Fowler. Each tree is valued at $5,000 or more in gifts and travel. Other special items will be available through a silent auction.


There's plenty of opportunity for holiday entertainment, too. "Cool Nights, Hot Music" features several evenings of free musical performances in the lobby of the Davenport. On Saturday, Nov. 30, jazz vocalist Robin Marks and her combo hold forth from 6 to 9 pm, and an eclectic variety is planned for Monday through Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 pm.


New this year is the Elegant Tea and Vintage Fashion Show, set for Sunday, Dec. 1, from 2:30 to 4 pm. Reservations are required for this event in the Marie Antoinette Room, and the $40 admission includes an event parking coupon. While enjoying a lovely tea, guests will see fashions from the Golden Age of the Davenport Hotel (1915-45), courtesy of Jerry Jo Olsen and Heirloom Mem'rys.


More fashions are on tap from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, Tuesday through Friday, with the popular Holiday Luncheons and Style Shows in the Grand Pennington Ballroom. Models from PJ & amp; Co. will present clothing provided by the Bon Marche. Tickets are $40 and include a parking coupon. Tables seat 10.


The celebration reaches a crescendo with the Gala Dinner Dance on Friday, Dec. 6, from 6:30 pm to midnight in the Hall of Doges and Grand Pennington Ballroom. A champagne reception begins the evening, followed by a gourmet dinner served with fine wines. The Tuxedo Junction Big Band will swing the night away, and winning raffle tickets will be drawn throughout the evening. (Raffle ticket holders need not be present to win.) Tickets are $125 per person and include an event parking coupon. Tables for this event seat 10.





For event tickets or additional information, call the Spokane Symphony Office at (509) 624-1200 or (509) 458-TREE.





Publish Date: 11/28/02