19th Annual Festival of Trees

Santa’s elves are hard at work again, preparing for Garrett County’s holiday kick-off event, Festival of Trees. The event will be held November 27, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM  and November 28, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, at the Fairgrounds Heritage Hall on Rt. 219 in McHenry. General admission is $5 per person, which includes hours of holiday fun for everyone.

Celebrating its 19th year, this joyful family event has become a tradition for hundreds of locals and visitors to the County. Benefiting the Dove Center, Garrett County’s domestic violence and sexual assault services program, the Festival of Trees was developed by its Board and Staff to serve as the organization’s major fundraiser. Since its inception, it has raised well over $350,000, supporting the agency’s mission to provide safety and healing for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and related crimes. A committee of volunteers with a passion for the event and the Dove Center’s mission meets tirelessly throughout the year to plan, improve, and expand it.

“The fact that the Festival, our major fundraiser, offers families a day of safe, healthy quality time together is as gratifying to me as the event’s monetary success. After all, our ultimate goal is to create safe, healthy families,” stated Heather Hanline, Dove Center Executive Director.

The Festival has evolved to include something for everyone. Adults and children are awed as they stroll through the forest of decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces, and wall hangings donated by local designers. Hours of holiday entertainment are available through Frosty’s Funland, where children create keepsake crafts (this year’s theme is Toy Story Christmas), sand art, and have their faces painted in holiday themes. Mrs. Claus’ Bakery is open both days, where children decorate Christmas cookies, often with the guidance of Mrs. Claus herself! They are then on their way to the Crazy Christmas Hair booth, where they emerge with colorful, creative Whoville styles. Several holiday characters will make appearances throughout the day, and robotics demonstrations will take place both days.

Adults and children can get a jump on Christmas shopping, as well. At the Elfenheim Mall, children shop and wrap for just $1 per gift. Adults can browse for hours through regional craft and artisan vendors. They are sure to find the perfect, unique gift for that special someone.

A variety of concessions are available throughout the day in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, which is presented by Traders Coffee House. The Kona Ice truck will be on-site, offering delicious shaved ice treats.

Saturday’s events include festive live music. Garrett County Pipes and Drums will perform from 10:30 – noon. Additionally, Montani Cantanti, West Virginia’s only chamber opera troupe, will share their repertoire of over 40 Christmas classics, dressed in Dickensian costumes. They will perform Saturday from noon – 3 pm.

For a truly memorable day, families can begin with Breakfast with Santa, to be served Friday and Saturday mornings at 9am or 10 am. This year, breakfast is presented by Traders Coffee House and is by reservation only. It is $12 per ticket, which covers general admission for the entire day, a full breakfast, and a gift from Santa. Reservations can be made online at www.gcfot.org or at https://dovecenter.betterworld.org/events/festival-trees-garrett-county-20-21. General admission tickets can also be purchased on-site or through those online sites. Breakfast with Santa reservations can also be made by calling 301-334-6255 to reserve by November 20 and then paying $15 at the door.

Saturday, all activities end at 4pm to prepare for the Grand Finale live auction at 6pm. Registered bidders can relax and enjoy light refreshments and a cash bar by Dutch’s at Silver Tree, beginning at 5 pm. Take part in the lively and festive generosity by bidding on a favorite tree, wreath, or centerpiece (free local delivery of large trees). No buyer premium and all proceeds benefit Dove Center. No room for another tree? Buyers may purchase items to donate to other agencies such as hospice, schools, civic organization,s and more.

For more information on the event, including sponsorships, designer forms, and volunteering, visit www.gcfot.org or call 301-334-6255.

For more information about the Dove Center, visit www.gcdovecenter.org or call 301-334-9000. Both can also be found on Facebook.