Designer Allowance | The RCRMC Foundation provides an allowance of $250 per tree to help defray the cost of decorating the tree.

• Checks may be picked up at the Tree Designer Workshop 10/1/2008 at RCRMC.
• If you are unable to attend the workshop, the check will be mailed to you.

Trees | The RCRMC Foundation furnishes artificial trees to all tree designers.

• Trees will be delivered to designers in early October.
• All trees are pre-lit with white lights.
• Every tree must have a tree skirt or covering for the base that will stay with the tree.

Tree Display Area | Each tree will be displayed at the Convention Center on a 16” tall, 36” square wooden platform inside an 8’ x 8’ fenced area.

• Please furnish materials to cover the platform for the trees which will be provided at the Convention Center. (See “Designer Day/Set-Up”)
• Please decorate the fence and enclosed area to fit the theme of your tree.
• Items on the tree and the tree base covering (skirt) will go with the tree to the purchaser.
• Items within and on the fence may be picked up by the designer at the close of the Festival.
• Please indicate these items on the Tree Designer Worksheet.

Tree Assembly | Trees can break during the move to the Convention Center and/or to the purchaser after the Festival. To reduce the possibility of breakage, please do the following:

• ASSEMBLE THE TOP OF YOUR TREE AT THE CONVENTION CENTER.
• Tree sections must be glued together and into the stand with Liquid Nails and sections wired together with florist wire.
• After gluing, allow glue to dry completely before moving. (24 hours).

Lights | You are welcome to add lights of any color, following the following guidelines

• Follow the contour of the branches, do not drape lights
• Wire additional lights to the tree.
• Lights should be of the type that if one goes out the rest stay light.
• Do not splice lights – fire hazard.
• Twinkling lights are ok, no blinking lights.

Extension Cords

• Extension cords must extend 6’ beyond the base of the tree.
• Use a multi outlet power cord.
• Do not use a fused power cord.
• Should be 16 gauge.

Decorations | Be creative! Best selling trees are traditional in theme. Trees are vied from a distance of several feet; do not use ornaments that are too small.

• Secure all decorations to the tree with florist wire. No exceptions.
• Glue ornaments with hanging attachments.
• If you use motorized ornaments, balance them throughout the tree.
• Consider size, weight and number of decorations.
• Guideline for number of decorations is 175-275 per tree.
• Limit the use of ceramic ornaments.
• Ornaments should weigh less than a half pound apiece.
• “Over decorate” with light weight ornaments.
• “Under decorate” with heavy or motorized ornaments.

Fillers | There are a wide variety of fillers on the market. Visit the floral sections of department, discount and craft stores for materials to use as fillers. Examples include:

• Fabric – there is a wide variety of fabrics designed to be used as fillers for trees. These are most often found at design centers, but can also be found at Target, WalMart, etc.
• Baby's Breath and other dried flowers.
• Garlands

Designer Day/Set-Up – Monday, November 24 – 8 a.m.. – 8 p.m.
The Convention Center is located at 3443 Orange Street in downtown Riverside.

• When you arrive at the Convention Center with your tree, please check in with the Tree Design Committee.
• Pull your car into the loading dock area located on the Orange Street side of the building.
• After unloading your tree, please move you car to make room for other designers and deliveries.
• Do not park in a handicapped space unless you have a handicapped placard. You may be ticketed, even in the parking lot.
• Upon arrival you will be furnished with a 16" tall, 36“ square wooden platform for your tree.
• This stand has wheels and may be used to move your tree and supplies to your area.

Time | Designers have from 8 am to 8 pm on November 24 to complete their trees and displays at the Convention Center.

• Plan your time
• Sit back and take a critical look at your tree.
• Allow time to make any changes you would like to make.

Supplies | Bring the following supplies to the Convention Center:

• Stepladder
• Glue gun/staple gun
• Wire & wire cutters
• Scissors
• Extra lights & ornaments
• Extension Cord
• Shims to level your tree on the stand
• Duct tape

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