Since it is now November, it is now socially acceptable to talk about the best holiday ever: Christmas! And lucky for us Michiganders, especially the ones in the Great Lakes Bay Region, there is a great event every year for us to attend that brings joy to the whole family and gets everyone in the holiday spirit. I'm talking about Festival of Trees. If you're not familiar with this annual event put on by the Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region, it is a three day fundraising event, November 10-12, in which over 100 designers from around the area contribute beautifully decorated trees and wreaths to be raffled off to lucky winners. If you've never been, I've compiled a list of the top ten reasons you should come to the Festival of Trees this year.
1. It helps the Great Lakes Bay Region
The proceeds from the event help support the Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region's mission of promoting voluntarism, training its members and improving the community. The GLBR Junior League supports the community in a lot of ways by donating time, money and resources to various causes throughout the community. The First Ward Community Center, the Saginaw Children's Museum, the Saginaw Children's Zoo and the McNally House are just a few of the places that have benefited from the help of the GLBR Junior League.
2. It's fun for the whole family
There are many different themed trees and wreaths. From elegantly sophisticated ones to ones covered in stuffed animals. There is a tree for everyone!
3. It's the perfect date night
If you don't want your kids cramping your style, stroll the isles of beautiful trees with your significant other and enjoy some quality time together while reminiscing about your favorite holiday traditions and memories.
4. It's a low cost activity
The holidays are expensive so it's nice that you can kick them off with a low cost event that helps get you in the holiday spirit and possibly win a tree or wreath. General admission is just $5 and raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.
5. It's free for Veterans
This year, the Festival lands on Veterans Day. So, on Saturday, November 11th, there will be FREE admittance for all Veterans with presentation of military ID.
6. It's not just trees
If you grow tired of looking at the trees and wreaths, there will also be local vendors showcasing and selling their specialties.
7. It's fun
The atmosphere of the Festival of Trees cannot be matched. It's hard to explain to someone who has never been but it is just so festive and joyful that you can't help but smile and feel the Christmas spirit in the air.
8. It's right in your backyard
The Festival of Trees is held at Apple Mountain in Freeland. This beautiful facility has been the backdrop for FOT for many years and it works out pretty perfectly for the many surrounding areas of Saginaw, Bay City and Midland.
9. You could win a fully decorated tree
At the event, you can purchase raffles tickets and use those tickets to try and win a tree that you'd like to take home with you. Like I said earlier, there is a tree for everyone so you're sure to find one that fits your style and you might just get to take it home.
10. Christmas!!
Christmas is the best time of year because of the joy it brings. Christmas music, hot cocoa, snowball fights, milk and cookies, celebrating with your family, ugly sweater parties and so much more make Christmas a heartwarming time. And what better way to start the holiday season than helping your community and possibly winning a beautiful tree.
If you would like more information about the Festival of Tree or would like to purchase tickets, please visit the Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region's Facebook page here.
