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November 21, 2008

Enchanted Forest Celebrates Holiday Season

By Leslie Perales Observer Staff Writer

The Junior League of Northern Virginia will ring in the holidays this weekend with its 8th annual Enchanted Forest at the Sheraton Reston. The weekend event will feature entertainment and crafts for children, gifts and holiday decorations for sale, an afternoon tea, a silent and live auction and a chance to meet master sugar artist and chocolatier Norman Davis.

"What's great about the Enchanted Forest is that there is something for everyone," said Tamara Ashford, JLNV president. During the day, there will be different activities for children and their parents including a magician and a Polar Express train, she said. The evening also features adult friendly events, such as the holiday tea, Enchanted Evening Gala and auction.

When visitors walk into the Enchanted Forest, they will be greeted by a winter wonderland of decorated trees and handmade gingerbread houses. General admission children's activities include face painting, magic shows, crafts, games and photos with Santa and the Snow Fairy Princess. The Children's Science Center, which is JLNV's signature project, will participate this year. It will provide a number of hands-on, science-related activities for children, Ashford said. "All of the events are exciting," she said.

"By coming out you'll support the programs of the junior league and make an impact on the lives of children in the Northern Virginia community," Ashford said. All proceeds from the event benefit the JLNV's mission and community programs. "The money that is raised through this event will go back into our community programs as well as our training programs that develop the potential of women," Ashford said. JLNV's community programs support volunteerism, community activities and children in Northern Virginia.

Ashford said the event usually draws about 1,000 people to the general admission events. General admission is $7 for adults and $12 for children under 12. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The Sheraton Reston is located at 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive. Visit www.jlnv.org or call 703-848-2884. To receive $1 off admission at the door, use promotional code FLYR02.