With the opening of Winter Wonderland now only a week away, the final touch arrived to Clearwater this week – nearly 100 live Christmas trees. The trees will now be installed on the lot and decorated in time for the opening of Winter Wonderland. The opening will be held on Saturday, December 2nd at 6:00pm at its home in downtown Clearwater on the corner of Drew St. and Fort Harrison Ave. Winter Wonderland will be open until the 23rd of December.

“Some sources have the tradition of the Christmas tree going back to ancient Roman times,” said Lisa Mansell, from the Public Affairs Department of the Church of Scientology. “The tradition of the Christmas tree was introduced by Hessian soldiers stations in Quebec in 1781. By the early 1800’s, decorated Christmas trees were part and parcel of the American Christmas tradition.”

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, volunteers will be hard at work to install the trees, including the giant pine tree that will grace the entrance to Winter Wonderland.

Winter Wonderland will open with a light-up ceremony on Saturday, December the 2nd at 6:00pm. Following the light-up, guests will be treated to entertainment by the Flag Band.

Winter Wonderland is produced by the Clearwater Community Volunteers (CCV). CCV was established in 1994 by parishioners of the Church of Scientology who wanted to put on events and help children and families in need in Pinellas County. CCV has helped thousands of families since.

Winter Wonderland activities include visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, snow, entertainment, a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, train rides, a carousel and a playground. There is a small cost for some of the attractions, however admission is free.

Visitors are encouraged to donate non-perishable food and new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to families in need before Christmas. Over the past 29 years, Winter Wonderland has welcomed more than a quarter of a million visitors and collected tons of food and toys.

For more information about Winter Wonderland, please go to www:clearwatercommunityvolunteers.org.

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About the Clearwater Community Volunteers
The Clearwater Community Volunteers was established in 1994 by parishioners of the Church of Scientology who wanted to put on events and help children and families in need within our community. CCV has since expanded over the years to welcome volunteers from all over Tampa Bay, and from all faiths, who share their purpose. The Clearwater Community Volunteers gets its inspiration from L. Ron Hubbard's precept in The Way to Happiness common sense moral guide: Love and Help Children. To learn more, visit www.clearwatercommunityvolunteers.org