PORT ANGELES — One of the most popular holiday season events is the North Olympic Peninsula Festival of Trees in Port Angeles.
Today, tickets will go on sale at The Toggery, 105 E. First St., for four events at the festival Nov. 28 through Nov. 30.
All the events will be held at the Vern Burton Community Center, 308 E. Fourth St.
Now in its 18th 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, the Friday night auction of decorated and donated trees and wreaths raised a record $117,040, with the priciest tree bringing in $6,000.
Jerry Nichols, co-owner of Coldwell Banker Uptown Realty in Port Angeles, made the winning bid for “Yachting in the Northwest,” a tree designed by Julie Triggs and sponsored by Westport Shipyard.
Prizes included with the Christmas tree were a 60-inch flat screen plasma TV; a dinner for eight; and a tour and sneak peek at a Westport 50-meter yacht.
The festival’s Family Days on Saturday and Sunday features entertainment and gives visitors a chance to see the Christmas trees before they are delivered to the homes or businesses of the winning bidders.
Tree fest events
Here are the Festival of Trees events and prices, with all events at the Vern Burton and tickets available at The Toggery:
n Friday, Nov. 28
– Teddy Bear Tea for parents and children, 10 a.m. and noon (tickets: $5 each).
Festival of Trees Gala begins at 5:30 p.m. buffet, tree auction, silent auction and dancing with live music ($95 each).
n Saturday, Nov. 29
– 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. with viewing of decorated trees, musical entertainers and children’s activity areas ($5 each; kids under 12 free).
n Sunday, Nov. 30
– Family Days, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. ($5 each; kids under 12 free).
