Presented by Friends of Hospice, the 40th annual Festival of Trees “Forty Years of Silver and Gold” will be held November 29 through December 2 in downtown Easton. Presented by Friends of Hospice, Festival of Trees has raised nearly $4 million to assist with Talbot Hospice’s operating budget.
The tradition of Festival of Trees is rich with love and commitment to Talbot Hospice. After experiencing the loss of a loved one who was an early patient of Talbot Hospice, Midge Fuller and her friend Leslie Ware began a crusade and spent a year organizing the very first Festival of Trees in 1985. The organization is as vibrant as ever and Midge and Leslie continue their crusade even now as this year’s Festival co-chairmen.
Preview Gala: As is tradition, the Festival of Trees kicks off with the Preview Gala, a black-tie fundraising event, which will be held on Friday, November 28 at the Tidewater Inn’s Gold Room. From 6 to 8 p.m., guests will enjoy a lavish affair with the first opportunity to view 100 exquisitely trimmed trees of varying sizes as well as a dozen elegantly decorated wreaths. A highlight of the evening is the opportunity to bid on a special tree decorated with exquisite Michael Aram ornaments. Tickets to the Gala are sold in advance only.
Festival of Trees: The Gold Ballroom opens to the public from Saturday, November 29 through December 2. On view will be 100 beautifully decorated and lit trees all adorned in white, gold and silver. Various live performances will entertain guests all four days. Of note this year is that The Shoppe returns, selling tasteful items that are perfect for the gift giving season. There will be a special performance by the Easton High and Easton Middle school’s jazz bands on Sunday, November 30 at noon.
Santa 5K Fun Run/Walk: Dress with the holiday spirit in mind; participants hit the pavement on Saturday, November 29 at 9 a.m. at Idlewild Park. On-site registration starts at 8 a.m. and advance sign-ups are encouraged at festival-of-trees.org.
Santa’s Workshop: This year’s family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, November 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., nestled in the Tidewater Inn’s Ballroom Garden. Children will be greeted by Santa and may pose for photos. Write a letter to Santa, enjoy an Elf Story Time, compete at game stations, create an ornament or color at various craft stations, and walk away with special tokens of the day. Santa’s workshop is free with admittance to the Festival of Trees.
Carols by Candlelight: Carols by Candlelight is a magical holiday event, free to all on Saturday, November 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. Sing along with choral groups, bell ringers, and musicians. Visit with Santa on the grounds of The Bullitt House at the corner of Washington and Dover streets. Everyone gets a free candle and candy cane. Food trucks will be on site and holiday merchandise will be on sale. This event is perfect for families of all ages to enjoy.
Poinsettia Tree: View the beautiful 12-foot poinsettia “tree” during the Festival of Trees in the Gold Ballroom at The Tidewater Inn. Elegant white poinsettias, sold in advance to raise money for Talbot Hospice, will adorn the tree. Take home your poinsettias for the holidays.
Keepsake Luminaries: Keepsake luminaries honor a loved one. A limited number of the snow-white metal luminaries will be sold online, then displayed in the Gold Ballroom. At the conclusion of the Festival of Trees, the luminaries will be available for pickup in time to enjoy for the holiday season.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit festival-of-trees.org.
November 28 – Preview Gala – Tidewater Inn, Easton. 6 p.m.
November 29-December 2 – Festival of Trees – Tidewater Inn, Easton.
November 29 – Santa Fun Run/Walk – Idlewild Park, Easton. 9 a.m. Registration 8 a.m.
November 29 – Santa’s Workshop – Tidewater Inn, Easton. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
November 29 – Carols by Candlelight – Harrison/Dover streets, Easton. 5-7 p.m.
