Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/883365
The Happiest Place in Town TORRANCE MEMORIAL HOLIDAY FESTIVAL BRINGS MAGIC AND JOY TO THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN, ADULTS AND FAMILIES EVERY YEAR ILLUSTRATED BY KELSEY ELLIOTT f you've counted your blessings and indulged in a lavish turkey dinner, chances are you might be looking forward to an upcoming South Bay holiday tradition. For more than three decades Torrance Memorial Medical Center has launched the holiday season with its own unique gi to the South Bay — Holiday Festival. Featuring lavishly decorated trees, boutiques, a fashion show, holiday shopping and daily entertainment by various local groups, the festival is a one-of-a-kind experience, giving back to the community in multiple ways. e festive event opens the week aer anksgiving and last year attracted 18,000 visitors. All funds raised by the event, made possible through thousands of volunteer hours, benefit local health care services provided by nonprofit Torrance Memorial. Carolyn Snyder has volunteered as co-chair (with Bev George) for 33 years of its 34 years and says she thinks it's the tradition that draws so many. "Once someone comes and sees the festival one time, they come back every year. It becomes a tradition. It's a tradition for the hospital and a tradition of people giving their time, money and talents. So many respond." "And where else can you go for $5 and be entertained by singing and dancing, shop, and see Santa Claus and all the decorated trees? You can spend two to three hours." A fashion show featuring a high-end designer and professional models opens the festival. Tickets are $125, and the event always sells out. Please call the Torrance Memorial Foundation at 310-517-4703 early to purchase tickets. A boutique area for holiday shopping is another favorite component and the largest in the South Bay. Among many great gi ideas, visitors can purchase beautifully handcraed decorations, wreaths and small holiday trees made by the volunteers. Special marketplaces for seniors and children offer items under $5 for those on a budget. Other kid-focused activities include cookie decorating, face painting and a chance to have lunch and photos with Santa. e showpiece of the festival is 36 decorated trees, each with a special theme. "is year we have a superhero tree, an angel tree and a Paris themed-tree, along with the customary elves, snowman, Charlie Brown and woodland trees," Snyder notes. "e Torrance Fire Department is doing a Rudolph the Pin- Nosed Reindeer (for breast cancer) and the ER always has a cuddly, brown bear tree. e Fire Department tree is decorated by local foster children and the I