As John Weicker finishes his final two months of school, he’s counting down the days with a small ticker in his office.On Thursday, the counter read 44 days, plus a few hours, minutes and seconds.Like lollipops? How about John Lennon?
Ever wanted to see a tree dressed as a Mad Ant?
Or, do you just want to see dancing, or have your kids sit on Santa’s lap?
All of that can still be had at the Embassy’s Festival of Trees today and into this week, where you can wander the halls of the historic theater as well as the Indiana Hotel next door to see this year’s batch of creatively decorated Christmas trees.
One is decked out with the word “Imagine” and features lyrics of John Lennon’s famous song.
Another is adorned by a Mad Ants jersey, sneakers, a face and a basketball. Another is tricked out with giant lollipops and sticks of cotton candy.
“A lot of the trees have been expanded this year,” said Dana Berkes, the marketing director for the Embassy.
And while there – today, at least – you can see performances by a multitude of local dance troupes, which Berkes called the lifeblood of the Embassy’s fundraising for the weekend.
Berkes estimated that about 4,000 people came through the doors Friday. She expected the final tally to reach that Saturday and possibly even today.
And if your kids want to give their Christmas list to Santa, he will be there to hear them out, just as he’s heard many a child’s list so far this year.
“Oh, the iPads and iPods, you wouldn’t believe how many want those,” Santa said Saturday at the Embassy. “But they’re also asking for Legos and American Girl dolls; … and Barbies.”
While one small boy sat on his lap that afternoon, Santa heard the most unusual request so far.
After being asked what he wanted for Christmas, the boy snapped his head back at Santa and without batting an eye exclaimed: “Hot tub!”
“I’m not sure that will fit in my sled,” Santa said, laughing.
