YULE LOG HUNT RINGS IN THE HOLIDAYS AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM
“YULE” ENJOY THE THRILL OF THE HUNT AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM
New, Earlier Date For the Yule Log Hunt This Season
LISLE, IL (December 8, 2010) – The “Yule Log Hunt” arrives at The Morton Arboretum early! On December 26 from 2–4 p.m. seekers of all ages will follow clues and riddles that lead them to the hidden log.
“This year we hold the Yule Log Hunt the day after Christmas instead of in January,” says Arboretum Coordinator Diana Fischer-Woods. “This way, visitors who are in town for Christmas may have the opportunity to win the contest!”
Somewhere on the Arboretum’s 1,700 acres is a large log with a big red ribbon waiting to be found. Even the most experienced detectives know that in the Yule Log Hunt’s 32 years, it has never been hidden in the same spot!
Participants are given a sheet containing rhyming clues to the log’s location and eight preliminary locations. Contestants must find and get their clue sheet punched at each preliminary spot, to prove they did arrive at all eight locations. Afterward, contestants may then use the final clue to locate the Yule Log.
Once a fast-thinking, fast-walking hunter finds the log with its holiday decor, the champion and others drag the log back to the Visitor Center area, where a toasty warm fire awaits to help the returning party celebrate with all other searchers. The group enjoys hot beverages as the finders (with the sawyers’ assistance) cut the log in half, burning one piece and saving the other as kindling for next year’s fire. The Frozen Robins in their Victorian costumes sing and everyone joins in for wonderful family fun.
The winners will receive medallions that they can wear proudly from year to year. “Look around the crowd, and you’re likely to see past winners putting on their medallions from former hunts,” Fischer-Woods.
The Yule Log tradition dates back many centuries, when the burning symbolized the return of light after the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.
For the pint-sized flatfoots, the Children’s Garden has a “Yule Twig Hunt!” This drop-in, self guided activity sends little ones on a short hunt for a log that is more their size. Twig hunts are available from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Contestants should wear appropriate clothing and hiking-type shoes (tennis shoes not recommended). Expect to walk across the stunningly beautiful terrain for up to an hour. Hunt starts at the Visitor Center.
The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned leader in tree science and education, working to save and plant trees. The 1,700-acre outdoor museum features magnificent collections of 4,117 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. Central Time until sunset. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. Visit Press Room at www.mortonarb.org, call to learn more.
Media Contacts: Gina Tedesco, (office) 630-725-2103,
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Allison Phelps, (office) 630-719-5768,
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