Snow-covered festival

Suzie Harrison

Something strange is going on in Laguna Beach. The weather is sunny

and 72-degrees, yet there is a 100% chance of snow. That can only

mean one thing -- it must be time for the Sawdust Art Festival’s

Winter Fantasy.

Now in its 13th year, the Sawdust’s winter art show has more than

170 different artists exhibiting and selling their work. It brings in

various holiday traditions while transforming their grounds of

eucalyptus groves into a winter wonderland.

“It’s maxed out with 172 artists, about half the artists are

Laguna Beach artists,” community and media relations manager Rebecca

Meekma said. “It’s the most for the Winter Fantasy, there’s no more

room.”

One tradition is a snowfield for children, where kids can bundle

up, play, build snowmen and enjoy the rare white stuff in this part

of the state.

Each artist decorates their booth and a contest is held to see

which one is exuding the most spirit of the season.

“This year artist Gary Spellman will help with decorating and the

lights,” Meekma said. “He’ll be using an artist’s eye to place the

lights better than ever.”

Poinsettias and pine lend their color to the thousands of

twinkling lights. It wouldn’t be complete without jolly old St. Nick

hearing children’s wishes. The youngsters can also play in a

life-sized gingerbread house.

Meekma said that there is a wide range of items to admire and

purchase.

“All items are original works of art created by the artists and

include jewelry, paintings, ceramics, sculpture, hand-blown and

stained glass and more,” Meekma said. “There is something for

everyone on your gift list at the Winter Fantasy.”

As for entertainment, depending on the day, one can see a

marionette show, acrobatic and stilt walking routines or a circus

act. Groups of carolers will be heard singing and various bands and

choruses will be performing.

Children can also try out their artist aptitude at the children’s

art space or at the ceramics booth, where they can receive hands-on

instruction. Favorites “Heebie and Jeebie” from “Curtoon Time” will

also be making an appearance.

Artists of all ages are encouraged to sign up for a multitude of

classes, ranging from ornament making to watercolor painting, being

offered at the multi-media art booth.

In the center, at Town Square, many festivities will take place on

“Community Day,” Nov. 22. Laguna Beach residents will be admitted

free from 3 p.m. to close. Mayor Toni Iseman will light the community

tree at a ceremony at 5 p.m.

“There will be a competition between 11 community groups, coming

down to decorate holiday trees,” Meekma said. “That, with the booth

decorating competition, just adds to getting that holiday spirit

going.”

Top of the World and El Morro Elementary School’s Honor’s Choruses

will be singing on Nov 22, as will the Laguna Community Concert Band,

LagunaTunes and the California Choreographers Dance Festival, who

will be performing a site specific dance piece.

On other various days, local schools and organizations will be

providing an array of entertainment.

The 13th annual Winter Fantasy runs for four weekends -- Nov. 22

and 23, Nov. 28, 29 and 30, Dec. 6 and 7 and Dec. 13 and 14. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $4 for adults, $2 for children 6 to

12-years-old and free for children 5-years-old and younger. A season

pass to the winter show is $5 per person. The Sawdust Winter Fantasy

is located at 935 Laguna Canyon Road. For more information, call

(949) 494-3030 or go to www.sawdustartfestival.org.