By Kathleen Knowles
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!
It’s that time of year again! One of the most festive displays in the city of Port Huron has to be the Festival of Trees. A three-day event held at the Blue Water Convention Center; it is the most beautiful display of Christmas trees and lights you will ever see.
The 31st annual event (sponsored by McLaren-Port Huron) actually began the day after last year’s event! The committee works year-round to bring this event to the city of Port Huron. All the trees are designed by volunteers. The committee works with sponsors who help support the event financially. Provided by Lowes, the trees are given to the volunteers who then devote their time designing them for the festival.
The event began on Friday night with a preview Black-Tie party gala attended by 750 people who enjoyed live entertainment and a buffet catered by Vintage House Catering. It was held right there in the same room with the trees.
From 10 a.m to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, 5000 visitors enjoyed the visuals the Festival of Trees provided. It opened Saturday to the strains of the New Horizon’s Sentimental Journey Swing Band directed by James Chubb. On Sunday morning, the kids were able to attend “Breakfast with Santa,” in two separate seatings.
What happens with the trees? Jamie Guyor, the event manager explained, “There are buckets in front of every tree. Raffle tickets are $1.00. Visitors put a dollar in the buckets of their favorite trees. They are raffled off and the winners go home with their beautifully decorated trees!” All the money raised from the Festival of Trees stays right here in Port Huron. This year it went to the James C. Acheson Vascular and Heart Center.
Other events at the Festival of trees includes “Elfville.” There were lots of Christmas games for the kids. They can decorate a cookie, do a craft, bring their teddy bear to the Teddy Bear Hospital, participate in a snowball fight, or visit Santa.
Blue Water Healthy Living had the opportunity to speak with Santa Claus (aka Rodger Katt). Santa said he and his 5472 elves worked all year long to be ready for this year’s Christmas. When asked if Rudolph really leads his sleigh, he answered absolutely. He has been leading the sleigh since 1939. Santa was available at the Festival of Trees for the kids to sit in his lap and tell him their deepest desires for Christmas.
The Festival of Trees is a wonderful event designed for the entire family, and is a great way to kick off the Holiday Season. If you missed it, don’t miss it next year!!
