(Seattle, WA) October 1, 2008 – The 2008 holiday season at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel officially kicks off on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 with the lighting ceremony of the 25-foot Noble Fir in the Main Lobby and unveiling of the Teddy Bear Suite. A time-honored tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season for many local families, The Fairmont Olympic Hotel invites children, ages 3-12, to become a part of this community event by entering in the “My Favorite Holiday Moment” contest.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel has long been a place where generations have celebrated; where memories are created and where history is made. To commemorate the hotel’s 85th Anniversary in 2009, the hotel is inviting children to share a photo or drawing of their favorite holiday moment from October 1-26, 2008. Each submission, with parental or adult supervision, should include a short description of what made that moment so memorable. The winning child will accompany the Seattle Children’s Hospital spokeschild on stage for the lighting of the Fairmont tree, be among the first to enter the Teddy Bear Suite, as well as enjoy a two-night getaway at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel with his/her family.

On November 1, 2008, three finalists will be announced and the public will have the opportunity to vote for the winning holiday moment image and story. Voting ends November 14, 2008 and a winner is announced November 18, 2008.

Designed by Kevin Bradford, a Seattle-based interior and event designer, and brimming with dozens of fluffy teddy bears, the Teddy Bear Suite welcomes thousands of visitors throughout the holiday season. While at the suite, take holiday photographs or read one of the teddy bear-themed children's books. Donations taken at the Teddy Bear Suite benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

My Favorite Holiday Moment Contest Details:

• October 1-26, 2008: Email one high-resolution (300dpi) photo to holidaycontest@fairmont.com, OR mail one 8 1/2 by 11 drawing of your favorite holiday moment to 411 University Street, Seattle, WA 98101, along with a 50 -100 word essay describing why it was so memorable. One submission per child.
  
  
• Drawings will not be returned unless a self-addressed pre-paid envelope is included with the submission.
  
  
• October 27- 31, 2008: Panel of judges chooses top three submissions.
  
  
• November 1, 2008: Three finalists are announced.
  
  
• November 1 – 14, 2008: Vote for the final winning child’s story and photo at holidaycontest@fairmont.com. One vote per person. Stories and images will be posted on www.fairmont.com/seattle.
  
  
• November 1, 2008: Winning child’s story and image announced.
  
  
• November 25, 2008, 6:30 pm: Tree Lighting Ceremony and Teddy Bear Suite Unveiling with “My Favorite Holiday Moment” winner and Seattle Children’s Hospital spokeschild.

For a full listing of Holiday Events at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, from special festive menus to packages and chestnut roasting to holiday choirs, visit www.fairmont.com/seattle.

Grand Prize

The winning child will join the Seattle Children's Hospital spokeschild on stage for the lighting of Fairmont Tree and be among the first to enter the Teddy Bear Suite. The child, with their family, also wins a two-night getaway at the hotel.

Restrictions

Contest limited to Washington-state residents, families must be available for Tree Lighting Ceremony and Teddy Bear Suite Unveiling on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 6:30 pm. Children ages 3 – 12 are eligible. Children must apply with supervision of a parent or adult. Getaway prize includes two nights in an executive suite, including overnight parking and room tax at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel. Getaway is based on availability and cannot be redeemed by another person.

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