For information: Maggie Schlubach, Director of Special Events, (800) 438-0050, Ext. 8005 More information: www.groveparkinn.com

THE SEVENTH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST SEPTEMBER 26-28, 1997 This festival will feature German food, drink, lively Bavarian music, clowns, and an arts and crafts show.

HALLOWEEN WEEKEND OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 1 , 1997 Pumpkin display, Wanda the Witch, the Pink Lady, haunted chambers, children's costume contest, a magician, face painting, and a Friday night costume party in Elaine's nightclub make this an event to remember.

THANKSGIVING HOUSE PARTY NOVEMBER 26 - 30, 1997 This long weekend offers walking tours, a Thanksgiving Buffet with *Big Tom Turkey,* a craft demonstration, tree lighting ceremony, sing-alongs and Santa, plus lavish holiday decorations.

A GROVE PARK INN CHRISTMAS NOVEMBER 28, 1997 - JANUARY 5, 1998 Festivities include elaborate decorations and events: Staff Chorus sing-alongs, visits with Santa and MajorBear, craft demonstrations, caroling and an extensive display of gingerbread houses made by area artists.

NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION DECEMBER 30, 1997 - JANUARY 1, 1998 Five bands and three parties make New Year's Eve a lively night at the Inn. One and two night packages available.

SIXTH ANNUAL "ALL THAT JAZZ" WEEKEND JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 1, 1998 This weekend features two evening concerts, a Saturday afternoon jazz event, and a sensational lineup of talent.

SEVENTH ANNUAL BIG BAND DANCE WEEKEND FEBRUARY 6 - 8, 1998 The Bo Thorpe Orchestra, along with two other bands, dance instruction, and a practice session highlight this exciting ballroom dance event (USO Show Theme).

VALENTINE'S GETAWAY FEBRUARY 13 - 15, 1998 Your romantic rendezvous includes the "Not-so-newlywed" game, and a gala dinner, sweetheart ball, with lavish decorations, dance exhibition, and Major Bear.

ELEVENTH ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS ANTIQUES CONFERENCE FEBRUARY 20 - 22, 1998 This nationally renowned Antique Show features rare Arts & Crafts furniture, pottery and metal ware.

TENTH ANNUAL COMEDY CLASSIC MARCH 6 - 8, 1998 Always a sellout, this popular weekend features an exciting lineup of top male and female comedians.

CIVIL WAR SCULPTURE EXHIBITION & SEMINAR MARCH 13 - 15, 1998 See Chilmark sculpture demonstrations, seminars and exhibits detailing the Civil War era.

EASTER CELEBRATION WEEKEND APRIL 10 - 12, 1998 Events include the Easter Buffet, a visit from the Easter Bunny, sunrise service, egg hunt and much more.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND May 22 - 25, 1998 Special Events include a walking tour, scavenger hunt, pool party, tennis clinic, plus an outdoor party with clowns, llamas, games, and face painting.

JULY FOURTH WEEKEND JULY 3 - 6, 1998 Enjoy city fireworks (July 4), an outdoor patriotic party and musical fireworks (July 3), plus games and magic, bingo, a tennis clinic, a pool party, walking tour, and Major Bear.

Asheville, N.C. (Sep 1997) -- A Grove Park Inn Christmas, one of the South's premier holiday celebrations, gets even better in 1997 with the addition of two new events - a Christmas Photo Contest and 'Major Bear's Holiday Puppet Show.'

The photo contest, with cash and Romance Package prizes, runs throughout the holidays from Thanksgiving through the first week of 1998. Awards will be given for photographs or slides that best capture the spirit of A Grove Park Inn Christmas. Also new for 1997 is 'Major Bear's Holiday Puppet Show,' a colorful and entertaining 40-minute celebration of the season. The show, hosted by a Major Bear puppet and featuring more than 20 additional puppet characters, will be presented every Saturday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. from November 29 through December 20. The show, which concludes with a carol sing-along led by Major Bear, is produced by Red Herring Puppeteers.

These two holiday additions augment the long list of holiday activities, festive buffets and seasonal decorations that make A Grove Park Inn Christmas a six-week, family-oriented special event that lasts from Thanksgiving through New Year's.

If you have questions, or would like more detailed information about holiday events, call Maggie Schlubach. If you'd like to experience the Grove Park Inn during the holidays, call Dave Tomsky at (800) 438-0050, Ext. 5007.

A GROVE PARK INN CHRISTMAS 1997 SCHEDULE OF HOLIDAY EVENTS ( NOV 26, 1997 - JAN 5, 1998)

DECORATIONS THROUGHOUT THE HOTEL - Including over 40 uniquely decorated trees, garlands, poinsettias, a miniature village, animal nature display, elves' playhouse, mechanical displays, Family Photo Corner, Major Bear's Sleeping Quarters, wreaths and outdoor lighting displays created by the hotel Floral Staff.

GROVE PARK STAFF CHORUS SING-ALONGS - Performing for their fourteenth year, the famous Grove Park Chorus sings in the Great Hall Monday through Friday (noon - 12:30 p.m.), December 1 through December 24. Song sheets provided for visitors. Groups asked to make advance reservations.

SANTA VISITS THE INN - An opportunity for the young and young at heart to visit with Santa. November 29 and December Saturdays before Christmas (10 am - noon). Photographer available.

HOLIDAY PUPPET SHOW (New in '97) - Hosted by Major Bear and performed by the Red Herring Puppeteers. Saturdays, November 29 through December 20 (5-5:40pm) - Vanderbilt Wing lobby.

HOLIDAY PHOTO CONTEST (New in '97) - Capture the magic and excitement of The Grove Park Inn Christmas. Compete for $2500 in cash and prizes for the three best images. Open to amateurs and professionals.

MAJOR BEAR - Watch for visits by the Inn's beloved Holiday Ambassador during Staff Chorus sing-alongs. Bring your camera..... he's very photogenic. Children's Tea Party featuring Major Bear, Santa and a teddy bear parade. December 13 and 20 (noon - 1:30 pm). Reservations required. 252-2711 (Ext. 8045)

GINGERBREAD HOUSES ON DISPLAY - Now in its fifth year, this competition is open to amateurs and professionals. Houses will be displayed from November 19 through January 1. Landscaping by GPI Pastry Staff.

CANDLELIGHT CAROLING - Family piano sing-alongs with Mary Stair in the Great Hall. Sunday through Wednesday, December 7 through 23 (8:30 - 9:30 pm). Song sheets provided.

CRAFT DEMONSTRATIONS - Saturdays, November 29 through December 20 (1 - 3 pm)

GUIDED HISTORIC WALKING TOURS - December Mondays (2 - 2:30 pm) - Meet in Great Hall.

MADDY AND MASTERPIECE - This popular three-piece group plays holiday favorites and sing-alongs Thursday through Saturday beginning Friday, November 28 (5 - 9 pm).

PIANO CONCERTS - Concerts by pianist Mo Hubbard are offered Sunday through Wednesday from (5-8:30 pm) in the Great Hall, by the magnificent "big tree" and crackling fire.

HOLIDAY BUFFETS - Special holiday lunch buffets daily as well as Sunday Brunch buffet in the Blue Ridge Dining Room. Thanksgiving and Christmas Day Buffets in the Grand Ballroom.

NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION - Featuring five different bands, two in the Grand Ballroom, two in the Heritage Ballroom and one in Elaine's nightclub. Overnight packages available.