Southern Arizona's Fastest Growing Holiday Arts Celebration to be Held Dec. 3 & 4 at the Oro Valley Marketplace

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Looking for one-of-a kind gifts or a great way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends? Kick things off with an incredible shopping experience at the Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts and Tree Lighting Celebration, December 3 and 4, 2016, at the Oro Valley Marketplace (southwest corner of Oracle Road and Tangerine Road).
 
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is once again partnering with the Town of Oro Valley to combine two well-beloved events into one fantastic holiday weekend. This two-day festival features original works of art and incredible craftsmanship at more than 150 artisan and exhibitor booths, more than 200 local student and community performers, a special visit by Santa, the always memorable Tuba Christmas performance, food trucks, and the lighting of the 35-foot holiday tree.

The Festival of the Arts will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 am. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, December 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Tree Lighting Celebration, which includes activities for children, free refreshments, cookie decorating and a full line-up of student performances (see schedule below) will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 4 to 6 p.m.
 
Throughout the weekend, attendees will see a wide range of artistic creations, including woodworking, sculpture, blown glass, paintings, photography and more. Artists will be in attendance to discuss their creations in person.
 
In the spirit of the season, Oro Valley staff will partner with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #53 to collect donations at the Dec. 3 Tree Lighting event for the Shop-With-A-Cop program, benefitting local families in need this holiday season.
 
Thank you to this year's sponsors: Pima Federal Credit Union, Best Buy, Oro Valley Marketplace, Golder Ranch Fire District, Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, The Keg Steakhouse and Bar, and Splendido.
 
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Saturday, December 3
10:00am - 10:45am     Catalina Community Chorus
10:45am - 11:00am     Oro Valley Jazzercise
11:00am - 12:00pm     SaddleBrooke Winds & Strings
12:00pm - 12:30pm     Team Dance
12:30pm - 12:45pm     Donna Lawsen, guitar/vocals
12:45pm - 1:15pm       Holiday Cake Dive presented by the Arizona Daily Star
1:30pm - 1:45pm         Canyon Del Oro Canyon Singers
1:45pm - 2:05pm         Coronado K-8 Choir
2:10pm - 2:30pm         Saguaro Stompers Clog Dance Company (cloggers)
3:00pm - 3:45pm         Tuba Christmas, University of Arizona (50+ tubas)
4:00pm - 4:15pm         Oro Valley Mayor Satish Hiremath kicks off the Tree Lighting Celebration
4:15pm - 4:30pm         Painted Sky Elementary Chorus
4:30pm - 4:45pm         Wilson Elementary Chorus
4:45pm - 5:00pm         Wilson Middle School Chorus
5:00pm - 5:30pm         Tucson Girls Chorus
5:30pm - 5:45pm         Ironwood Ridge High School Encore! (show choir)
5:45pm - 5:55pm         Santa arrives with IRHS Marching Band and Golder Ranch Fire Department
6:00pm                         Lighting of Oro Valley Holiday Tree              
6:00pm - 7:00pm          Cross Middle School (holiday caroling in front of Best Buy)
   Pictures with Santa in Best Buy
 
Sunday, December 4 
11:00am - 12:00pm      Nossa Bossa Nova, Latin Christmas
11:30am - 12:00pm      Noethan But Jazz, Jazzy Christmas
12:30pm - 1:30pm        Kids Unlimited (dance)
1:30pm - 2:00pm          Ocotillo Rain & Thunder (bluegrass)
 
2016 Holiday Festival of the Arts 
When: Saturday, December 3 & Sunday, December 4, 2016
Where: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85737
Cost: Free
Online: https://www.saaca.org/holidayfestival.html
Phone: (520) 797-3959
 
NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available 

About the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. 
For more information about programs and events produced by the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, go to www.saaca.org.
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