STATEHOUSE NEWS

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The 2012 Ohio Statehouse Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival marks the beginning of the holiday season on Capitol Square and throughout Ohio. This year’s celebration will take place on Monday, December 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A short tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. on the west steps (High Street side) of the Statehouse. First Lady Karen Kasich, and daughters Emma and Reese, are scheduled to attend and participate in the ceremony. The event is free and open to the public.

For children and adults of all ages, this family-friendly festival will also include holiday music sung by a variety of choirs, a Santa and Mrs. Claus photo station, activities, games, displays, special performances and refreshments. The free and public Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival invites families from across the Buckeye State to join together at their State Capitol to rekindle holiday cheer and state pride.

Refreshments courtesy of Tim Horton’s, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Girls Scouts of Ohio's Heartland Council and the eight exclusive caterers of the Ohio Statehouse.

Convenient and affordable parking is available during the event in the Ohio Statehouse underground parking garage. Parking rates are available at www.ohiostatehouse.org.

Scheduled Holiday Festival activities include:

Ongoing Activity Stations:
Santa and Mrs. Claus Photo Station
Fa La La La La Face Painting
Reindeer Antler Hat Activity
Merry Mixtures Activity
Statehouse Coloring Page Table
State Auditor of Ohio’s Activity Table
Secretary of State’s Activity Table
Treasurer’s Office Activity Table
Attorney General’s Office Activity Station
Cotton Ball Santa Face Activity
Advent Calendar Activity
Bag Puppet Activity
Marshmallow Snowman Activity
Hand Print Wreath Activity
Santa Says Game Station
Pin the Nose on Rudolph Game Station
Holiday Tic Tac Toe Game Station

Shows on the Museum Gallery Stage:
6:00 to 6:20 p.m. — Bomb Dog Demonstration by Ohio Highway Patrol
6:30 to 6:50 p.m. — Puppet Show by CATCO
7:00 to 7:20 p.m. — Magic Show by Michael Dustman, Comedy Magician

Performances by:
Con Brio Children's Choir
Chapel Brass of the Salvation Army
FCI Academy
Grove City Christian High School SUDDEN IMPACT
Worthington Chorus Travel Ensemble
Suzuki Music Center of Central Ohio

Displays:
BalletMet Display

Meet These Mascots:
Teddy Trooper
RATiO
Crew Cat & Frankie Hejduk
Clara & Nutcracker
Clawdette Cougar

For more information about this event, visit www.ohiostatehouse.org.

High resolution Ohio Statehouse holiday images are available at: http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/Multimedia/MediaLibrary/Collection.aspx?pageSize=16&collectionId=107879&start=1


The Ohio Statehouse is more than a monument to our past; it's where history happens! The Ohio Statehouse is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed holidays. The Ohio Statehouse Museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends from noon to 4 p.m.; closed holidays. Admission is free. Free guided tours are offered weekdays on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekends from noon to 3 p.m. Tours depart from the Map Room easily accessible from the Third Street entrance. Groups of 10 or more are requested to call in advance to ensure a guide is available. Contact 888/OHIO-123 for more information or to schedule a group tour. For more information about the Ohio Statehouse visit www.ohiostatehouse.org.

The Ohio Statehouse is handicapped accessible and senior friendly. The Capitol Square complex was restored to allow for greater access by individuals living with disabilities. Ohio Statehouse public programs and events are held in accessible and barrier free areas of the building so that everyone can participate. Ohio Statehouse visitors needing disability-related accommodations in order to fully participate in an event may contact the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board at statehouse@csrab.state.oh.us or 614/752-9777 to communicate special needs. Please allow three weeks for arrangements to be completed.

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) is responsible for maintaining the historic character of the Statehouse and Capitol Square while providing for the health, safety and convenience of those who work in or visit the complex. The Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center coordinates tours of Capitol Square and provides information about the buildings, their history and Ohio's government.

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Calendar Listing:
Annual Ohio Statehouse Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival
December 3, 2012
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square; downtown Columbus
Free!
www.ohiostatehouse.org
614/752-9777

Join us at The People’s House for a family-friendly festival of holiday activities, including: Holiday music performed by local choirs, arts and crafts, special performances, community mascots, refreshments, Santa and Mrs. Claus and much more!