PORT ANGELES — Tickets go on sale this weekend for all four events at the Festival of Trees in Port Angeles, one of the most popular and festive holiday season events on the North Olympic Peninsula.
Tickets can be purchased at The Toggery, 105 E. First St., beginning Saturday (Nov. 7).
All four events Nov. 27 through Nov. 29 will be held at the Vern Burton Community Center, 308 E. Fourth St.
Now in its 19th year, the festival is a three-day fundraiser for the Olympic Medical Center Foundation and the Port Angeles Exchange Club.
The event features elaborately decorated Christmas trees and wreaths created by area designers.
They are auctioned during the Friday night Gala Premier, which includes a gourmet buffet dinner
and dance.
Last year’s auction of decorated and donated trees and wreaths raised a record $120,000.
Trees are decorated by businesses, organizations and community members and often include gifts or other items with them.
Two trees tied for the highest bid of $5,000 last year — “Magic of Christmas Thru a Child’s Eyes,” by Daren and Mary Konopaski and sponsored by Port Angeles Tire Factory, and “Winter in the Northwest,” by Andria Gunderson, Aaron Gedelman and Linda Busch and sponsored by Jim’s Pharmacy.
No tree went for less than $1,400.
The festival’s Family Days on Saturday and Sunday feature entertainment and give visitors a chance to see the Christmas trees before they are delivered to the homes or businesses of the winning bidders.
Festival of Trees events and prices, with all events at the Vern Burton and tickets available at The Toggery, are:
–Friday, Nov. 27 – Teddy Bear Tea for parents and children, 10 a.m. and noon ($5 each).
Festival of Trees Gala begins at 5:30 p.m. Gourmet buffet, tree auction, silent auction and dancing with live music ($95 each).
–Saturday, Nov. 28 — Senior Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. for seniors 55 and older or those with limited mobility. Includes sit-down breakfast ($10 each).
Family Days runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Viewing of decorated trees, musical entertainers and children’s activity areas ($5 each; kids under 12 free).
–Sunday, Nov. 29 — Family Days, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. ($5 each; kids under 12 free).
