PEORIA, Ill. — Crittenton Centers announced the 11th annual Festival of Trees.
The weekend long event features many designer decorated Christmas trees ranging from 7 and a half feet tall and smaller, wreaths, and other festive items said Sandy Garza, Development & Marketing Director.
“Everything you need to get your house ready for Christmas is put on display. And every single item is up for bid,” Garza said.
The event runs from Nov. 21-24 at 3625 N. Sheridan Rd. with different events each night among the lit up trees.
The weekend kicks off with a Jingle Mingle event on Thursday from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
“Which is as it is described in the title. A jingle and mingle. This is not a sit down. You walk in, you have a signature sangria, there’s a taco-tini bar, there’s live music. And it’s pitch dark with all the trees lit up,” Garza said.
This year’s Jingle and Mingle event is Feliz Navidad themed, and is the first night to see all of the items.
From 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Friday is the senior event for those 55 and older. Then that night is the Scout Night Troop starting at 4:00 p.m.
“Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts are having a tree decorating competition. And that Friday night is the reception to say who won the prizes and show off their trees,” Garza said. “Saturday we have an exclusive Brunch and Bubbly which is sold out.”
Saturday afternoon starting at 1:00 p.m. will be Family Day with a full list of events going on, including a visit from the jolly man himself.
“And then on Sunday we end with our Sweet Sundae Tea. Which is like a parent-child tea party. And Sweet CeCe’s donates a frozen yogurt bar,” Garza said.
The bidding for the items will end at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, and the winners will be announced.
“And anyone lucky enough to win anything four and a half foot tall or higher gets it delivered to their home the Monday before Thanksgiving,” Garza said.
Money raised from the items sold benefit the Crittenton Centers Nursery, which costs $100 an hour to operate fully staffed. Garza said this event brings in around $150,000 for the nursery.
Garza said there is also a way to bid on the items from home.
“If you like to sit at home and drink wine in your pajamas, you can still bid on the trees, we have mobile bidding. They just have to text FOT19 to 76278 and they can be registered to see the trees on their phones,” Garza said.
Even though mobile bidding is an option, Garza said there is nothing like seeing it all in person.
For more details about the events click HERE.
