Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Photos with Santa and 53 designer trees for auction and sale are all a part of this years Festival of Trees.
The Village at Winona kicks of its Festival of Trees today at Rodeheaver Auditorium.
The festival will continue through Wednesday to benefit the Health Care Foundation of Kosciusko County which provides the following assistance programs: Beds and Britches Etc., Care Connection, PUENTE and Reality Spanish.
General admission will be from 9 a.m. to 8 pm today; 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday; and 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.
The Festival of Trees expanded to a new location this year to feature 53 designer trees for auction and sale, decorated wreaths, centerpieces, mantle pieces, and other holiday floral arrangements for sale.
A unique addition this year, a Holiday Market, will feature gifts and Festival of Trees sweatshirts.
Clare Sessa, co-chair for the Festival of Trees, said it is her first year for participating in the Festival of Trees.
"It will be a fun activity for the whole family to come out and allow them to purchase trees and wreaths to make there homes look festive for the holdidays," Sessa said.
Tracie Hodson, another co-chair, said she is excited for this years Festival of Trees.
"This is one of the largestfestivals we have had and I am thankful for all of the volunteers who have decorated the trees and to the Village at Winona for hosting the event," Hodson said.
Ann Popenfoose, chairperson for the volunteer committee for the Festival of Trees, said there are 40 volunteers who will work shifts selling holiday items and working at the Red Hat Society Luncheon and Sunday Brunch amongst the trees.
"The volunteers are vital to the success of the event and we are thankful for their help," Popenfoose said.
General admission donation to the Festival of Trees is $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for children age 5-12 and free for children under age five.
Visitors can purchase a tree by placing bids on silent auction sheets attached to each auction tree, or through Instant Purchase Option.
The trees are decorated by Kosciosko County residents.
The auction will be continuous throughout the week with final bids taken on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.
The Festival of Trees Special Events Calendar is as follows:
Today's events from 10 a.m. to noon include photos with Santa and his reindeer, Lakeland Art Association Children's Activities and Mrs. Claus Story Time and a WRSW Broadcast.
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. - General Admission
Sunday: Nov. 19
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Sunday Brunch Amongst the Trees from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. - General Admission
Monday: Nov. 20
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Senior Citizens Day
Refreshments and special admission for adults: $1.00
3 p.m. to 8 p.m. - General Admission
Tuesday: Nov. 21
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Red Hat Society Luncheon (advance ticket purchase required; call 574-268-2273)
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. - Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours
3 p.m to 8 p.m. - General Admission
Wednesday: Nov. 22
3 p.m. to 8 p.m. - General Admission
Auction ends at 7 p.m. (Winners receive and take home trees between 8:15 p.m. and 9 p.m.)
