Background: The Magic Lake Lantern Festival is a Pender Islands tradition that takes place every New Year's Eve. Giant Puppets, Bamboo Lanterns, Stilt Walkers, an enchanting shadow play and Kayak Ballet on the lake are only some of what entertains and delights residents and visitors alike just after dark falls on December 31. Pagan in nature, it is a truly unique family event whose fame is just starting to spread beyond its Gulf Island home.

As indicated in the letter below, due to an unexpected shortfall of funds, the producers of the event, the Three on the Tree Productions Society, finds itself doing some last minute fundraising to ensure this year's event goes ahead, and to secure the future of the Magic Lake Lantern Festival for Pender Island in the years to come.

If you would like to contribute to this year's Festival, please email howard@homesonpender.com or call me (250) 222-HOME (4663), and I will pass your information on to Lorelle Posten, the Society's Chair.

More photos of the Festival can be seen in the Photo Album @ www.HomesOnPender.com.

THE MAGIC LAKE LANTERN FESTIVAL 2007

Dear Friend:

The ninth annual Magic Lake Lantern Festival will take place on New Year’s Eve once again this year, one of the most distinctive and exciting events created by our Pender Islands’ community. Despite reduced funding, dedicated volunteers are moving forward to maintain this much loved Islands tradition and bring the last dark day of the year to life with much spectacle and light.

Funds needed to state this evened each year cover expenses such as lantern making workshops, puppets and puppeteers, artist and performer fees, supplies, transportation, storage and publicity.

We need your financial help to ensure the success of this year’s event and the future of the Lantern Festival. We are grateful for donations of any amount, and will acknowledge all support in our annual Pender Post thank you. If you would like to sponsor this event with a contribution of $200 or more, or equivalent in kind donation, this will be acknowledged on our advertising and posters, pending publicity deadlines.

Whatever your contribution, on behalf of festival volunteers and the Society board, we deeply appreciate your support and wish you all the best for a wonderful holiday season.

Sincerely,