Trumpet’s Blare Ushers In Post-Holiday Fare At The Morton Arboretum

Memorable Yule Log Tradition A Family Delight

WHAT: Glad tidings to all for The Morton Arboretum’s 28th annual Yule Log Hunt – inspired by an ancient tradition that honors the sun in wintertime. A Yule Log is beautifully decorated and hidden somewhere on the Arboretum grounds. Each visitor tries to be first to find this log. The event begins with the Canterbury Carolers singing songs of welcome. Clues in a rhyming poem are given out to help the hunters find the log, and with a trumpet fanfare, the searchers are off!

When the Yule Log is found, it is dragged back to Arbor Court for the thrilling  presentation of the finder’s garland. The group breaks out into song as the log is sawed  and burned, with half saved as kindling for next year’s Yule Log Hunt.

The revelers then gather around a roaring fire and join in a toast of hot Wassail – a spicy  ale – or cocoa.

WHO: Visitors to The Morton Arboretum and the Canterbury Carolers

WHEN: Sunday, January 8, 2006, 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Visitor Center Area, The Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle, IL (Intersection of I-88 and Lisle)

PRICE: Free with Arboretum Admission: $7/adult, $5/senior, $4/child ages 3-12, children under 3 are free.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of more than 3,700 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world.

Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (DST) and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST). The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (DST) and 9:30 to 4 p.m. (CST). Visit www.mortonarb.org to learn more.

Eds note: Pictures are available

Gina Tedesco, (630) 725-2103
Marty Cusack, (630) 719-5768