Plainfield Residents Behind 'Grand Tree' at Rialto Festival of Trees

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The gigantic Christmas tree features dozens of toys and is based on the children's story and 1932 Disney animated short film "Santa's Toy Shop." In the story, Santa is busy with the holiday rush — until Mrs. Claus suggests he stop and take a moment to play with each toy before he delivers it on Christmas Eve.

Lambert said the tree took 18 hours — an hour per foot — to assemble. The tree was decorated with the help of Plainfield residents Bob Navarro, Sue Hasenyager and Lynn Reichert.

Plainfield-area residents also donated favorite childhood toys for the tree, from old-fashioned classics like a Charlie McCarthy doll/ventriloquist's dummy to an "Indiana Jones" lunchbox to modern-day favorites including a stuffed Sully from "Monsters Inc."

The 60 decorated holiday trees and wreaths at the Rialto are all up for bid, and will be delivered to the winners in time for Christmas. 

Festival of Trees general admission tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors age 60 and older and children age 12 to 3, and free for children 2 and younger. Click here for specific general admission dates and times. The event ends Sunday, Dec. 1.

Here's a roundup of upcoming events:

Joliet Area Community Hospice Lights of Lights, 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 27. Complimentary tickets with the purchase of a memorial ornament from the hospice. The event features the annual Lights of Love tree-lighting ceremony.

Teddy Bear Tea, 9:30 a.m. and noon, Nov. 29: SOLD OUT.

Jim Brickman -- The Magic of Christmas, 8 p.m. Nov. 30. Tickets are $100 (includes meet and greet), $55, $45, $40 and $35.