MEDIA RELEASE

Naughty, nice and in between, Queens’ MarketPlace welcomes everyone to come and enjoy special holiday activities, including free family “photo ops” with Santa Claus, a Holiday Village in miniatures and grand opening of the new Wishard Gallery.

Known for realistic landscapes that capture the allure of Hawaii’s beaches, forests, waterfalls and mountains, Harry Wishard recently opened his second location in Queens’ MarketPlace, where he’s been painting almost every day. For more information, call 769-5077 or visit: www.harrywishard.com

Queens’ MarketPlace has unveiled its own new work of art, a traditional Holiday Village Scene in miniature, festively set in a fantasy “winter wonderland.” Located between Bike Works Beach & Sport and Quiksilver, the Holiday Village is unique to Queens’ MarketPlace, presented for the first time as a gift to the community to enrich the holiday shopping experience.

The Holiday Village can be seen daily, 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

But the magical news of course is when Jolly Old St. Nick himself comes to town, ready to greet every girl and boy in The Rotunda for those cherished holiday photos.

Families are invited to bring their own cameras and wish-lists, and visit Santa Claus during the following times:

* 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, Dec. 17-21

* Noon-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 22-23

“Shopping and Santa Claus, two of the most exciting traditions of the holiday season,” Sales & Operations Manager Margo Mau-Bunnell said. “And Queens’ MarketPlace has everything in place. The lights and decorations are up and sparkling, our train display is all set — and it’s such a special time for everyone when the keiki come to see Santa.”

Since it opened in 2007, Queens’ MarketPlace in Waikoloa Beach Resort has earned a reputation among visitors and kamaaina as “the gathering place of the Kohala Coast,” full of shopping opportunities, services and great food, along with entertainment and arts programs, movies under the stars and large-scale concerts in Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens.

For further information, call 886-8822 or visit www.QueensMarketPlace.net