IVINS, Utah - As the holidays approach, Tuacahn Center for the Arts has been preparing for its annual Festival of Lights and Live Nativity, which premiers the day after Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 23, 2007. Workers have been busy since September hanging approximately 250,000 lights on trees, bushes, buildings, and most everything within reach of a power outlet. "The effect is amazing. The lights create a wonderful holiday ambience-a place for the entire family to come and enjoy the spirit of the holiday season," said Scott Anderson, Tuacahn's Artistic Director.
The Festival will be open from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday evenings through December 23. A live Nativity is presented in Tuacahn's outdoor amphitheatre twice nightly at 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm. The Live Nativity features as many as sixty volunteer actors on stage along with an assortment of live animals. (NOTE: Due to Tuacahn's "Christmas in the Canyon" concert, which is presented in the outdoor amphitheatre, the Live Nativity will not be performed Saturday, December 1, 2007.)
On the plaza, patrons can savor hot cocoa from the concessions stand as they sit around an open fire, or stroll through the Tuacahn Gift Gallery stocked full of holiday presents. Santa Claus will visit the plaza beginning at 6:30 pm. The Festival of Lights also offers rides on the Old Salty Train provided by Ruby's Inn. Local performance groups will perform throughout the month on the plaza stage at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 pm. (Artists and times for plaza performances subject to change.)
At 7:00 pm on Saturday, December 1st, Tuacahn presents "Christmas in the Canyon", a delightful and upbeat holiday concert in the outdoor amphitheatre featuring Jon Schmidt and BYU's Vocal Point. "The idea behind this concert is to present a unique blend of professional musicians in a hometown tribute to the Christmas holidays," said Kevin Smith, Tuacahn's CEO.
Tickets to "Christmas in the Canyon" on December 1st are $15.50 and can be reserved by calling the Tuacahn box office at 435-652-3300. The concert and The Live Nativity are performed in Tuacahn's outdoor Amphitheatre, so patrons are encouraged to dress warmly and bring a blanket to cuddle up with family and friends. Admission to the Festival of Lights is free. The Live Nativity is $2.00 per person or $10.00 per family ($1.00 per person for groups of 25 or more). The holiday train ride is $1.00 per person. For more information visit www.tuacahn.org or call 652-3300.
