Hundreds of Lights, Live Music and Holiday Activities Create a Festive Occasion at the Garden

NAPLES, FL - December 7, 2010 - On December 16, 2010 Naples Botanical Garden begins its annual Winter Solstice Celebration, sponsored by Home-Tech, from 6-8 p.m.  During December 16 -23 and again from December 26-30 from 6-8 p.m. visitors will enjoy special holiday activities and live musical entertainment as they walk along Garden pathways lit by hundreds of tiki-torches to the Solstice Landing in the new Karen and Robert Scott Florida Garden.

The Winter Solstice marks the official beginning of winter, which especially here in Florida is a season for celebration, activity and harvests,” said Brian Holley, executive director. “We want visitors to feel the excitement of this special occasion and to remember the importance of this natural event.”

On December 21, 2010, the sun will be the farthest from the Earth (in the Northern Hemisphere), making it the shortest day and longest night of the calendar year and beginning of the winter season. Winter Solstice has been celebrated as far back as Neolithic times as a significant natural event and has been incorporated into many cultures and religions around the world. Many of the popular holidays observed today incorporate an element of celebration for Winter Solstice! 

Walk Amidst the Garden Lights

Begin at the Garden Visitor Center and Store and embark on the torch-lined pathway to the Café stand where you can purchase a holiday drink and some snacks before you wander down to the Chattel House in the Kapnick Caribbean Garden where you’ll create your own wish sticks.

Wish stick in hand, you’ll enjoy live musical entertainment as you continue across the bridge over the River of Grass to the Scott Florida Garden and the Solstice Landing. Throw your wish stick in the bonfire and warm up with others before heading off to explore the gardens by torch-light, walk the labyrinth, or stroll up through the Marcia and L. Bates Lea Asian Garden. 

Winter Solstice admission is $9.95 for adults, $4.95 for children ages 4-14 (children three and under are free) and free for Garden Members. Visit our website for more information www.naplesgarden.org.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the flora and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public in November 2009 after an extensive expansion. Regular hours of operation are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. every day.

Visit our website for more information www.naplesgarden.org.

Application Period Opens for Chance to Win a $70,000 Tropical Garden Wedding

NAPLES, FL - December 1, 2010 - Beginning today, Naples Botanical Garden will begin accepting applications for its Dream Destination Wedding Giveaway in which one lucky couple will win a wedding for 75 guests at the Garden valued at more than $70,000 set for November 11, 2011 (11-11-11). The Garden, along with more than 15 participating event vendors from Southwest Florida are providing the many elements necessary to create a beautiful tropical Garden wedding, from the breathtaking location and cake, to the dress and favors. Eligible couples must complete the Destination Wedding Giveaway Application (available on the Garden’s website) and submit it by January 31, 2011.

“We are always thrilled to be a part of someone’s wedding day,” said Brian Holley, Naples Botanical Garden executive director. “So it is all the more special for us to be teaming up with a talented group of partners to make a dream wedding a reality for one special couple."

To Enter

In order to be eligible for this Destination Wedding, couples must be legal U.S. residents outside of Florida’s Lee and Collier counties. A full list of Wedding Giveaway rules and the complete Application are available online at www.naplesgarden.org/WeddingGiveAway. Applications must be received by no later than 11:59 p.m. on January 31, 2011.

The winning couple will be announced on February 14, 2011.

Getting Involved

Friends, family and the public will have a chance to get involved in the wedding plans of the winning couple by submitting their selections for several key elements of the wedding in a voting process. Each month from March 2011 – August 2011, the public will have the chance to vote on their choice for the following items:

• Ceremony Location – Provided by Naples Botanical Garden
• Stationary – Provided by Arabesque Stationer and Gift Shop
• Wedding Dress – Provided by Loretta Bridal Boutique
• Floral Bouquets – Provided by Grace Lakes Florist
• Wedding Cake/Pastries – Provided by Be Happy Cakes

Participating vendors in the 2011 Dream Destination Wedding Giveaway include Arabesque Stationer and Gift Shop, Be Happy Cakes, Cater Masters Inc., Decanted Wine, Dolphin Transportation, Grace Lakes Florist, Gryphon Jewelry, Loretta Bridal Boutique, 929 Design Studios, No Worries Weddings & Events, Party Time Rentals, and Springhill Suites by Marriott.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the flora and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public in November 2009 after an extensive expansion. Regular hours of operation are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. every day.

Visit our website for more information www.naplesgarden.org.