PORT ANGELES — The trees are decorated and in place, gingerbread houses have been made and Santa is on his way to the three-day 29th annual Festival of Trees at the Vern Burton Community Center.
The Gala is tonight at the community center at 308 E. Fourth St. There, some 36 Christmas trees decorated by local designers will be auctioned off to the highest bidders.
Lights and decorations adorn a tree on display at this weekend’s Festival of Trees in Port Angeles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Trees are taken to the venue the buyer chooses and set up. In addition to the fanciful decorations, each tree carries with it premiums, some valued at thousands of dollars.
For instance, the tree All I Want for Christmas is Spring carries a premium valued at $5,950 — a six-day/six-night luxury trip to South Africa for two.
Some premiums are said to be priceless, such as the autographed guitar from the lead singer and guitarist of U2 provided to the winner of the Seattle Seahawks Christmas tree.
Other trees at the festival are four raffle trees, five silent auction trees, three Teddy Bear trees and two Family Day trees.
On display only at Family Days on Saturday and Sunday will be gingerbread houses. Children also can have instant photos with Santa taken from noon to 2 p.m. each day.
Family Days begin at 10:30 a.m. both days, closing at 3 p.m. Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Family Days offer public viewing of the decorated trees as well as musical entertainers and children’s activity areas for $7 for adults. Children younger than 12 are admitted free.
The popular Teddy Bear Teas, which sold out early, are today.
On Saturday will be the Senior Breakfast, a sit-down meal presented at 8:30 a.m. Tickets are $12 and a limited number will be available at the door.
Proceeds go to the Olympic Medical Center Foundation.
For more information, see the foundation’s website at omhf.org or all the foundation office at 360-417-7144.
