Beaufort's Festival of Trees is here with loads of new events (Update: Video)

Festival of Trees

Update December 8: Haven't made it down yet and want a peek at some of the trees?

Well check out WTOC 11's video (see it over here or up top).

First reporting: Want to take part in this year's Festival of Trees events where the old Greene Street Gym is converted into a winter wonderland of trees and decorations?

The Festival runs from Monday, December 5, to Saturday, the 10th, and includes a showcase of beautifully decorated trees, a grand Opening Reception with silent auction, a gourmet and gift shop, and daily lunches. Standard admission is $3.

Here's this year's lineup of events:

Festival of Trees Grand Opening Reception: Monday, December 5th, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. $40 in advance, $50 at the door. RSVP here.

Military Appreciation Day: Wednesday, December 7th military members and their families are free.

369 Holiday Butts: Yes, 6 to 8 pound BBQ Boston Butts are for sale. Butts will be fully cooked and vacuum wrapped so they are easy to reheat or freeze for any Holiday occasion (they even come with instructions on the best way to heat). $30 each. Pre order by calling (843) 525-6257 with pick-up scheduled for December 4th.

Festival Quilts: One of the Festival’s cherished traditions is the annual showcasing of a beautiful handmade quilt generously donated by the Sea Island Quilters.  For 2011, two additional quilts made by Mary Bradley have been donated by Victoria Stauffer.  The quilts will be on display at many of the Beaufort area festivals and events.

Saturday at the Festival – December 10th

  • Yoga Among the Trees from 8:30am until 9:45am. Join Shelley Lowther from Dancing Dogs Yoga for yoga among the beautifully decorated trees of the Festival of Trees.  All levels welcome.  Suggested minimum donation of $10 per person.
  • Brunch & Lunch with Shoofly from 10am until 2pm: Visit the Festival and enjoy brunch or lunch prepared by one of Beaufort’s best local spots using local, fresh and healthy ingredients.
  • Gift Wrap Galore from 11am until 3pm: Wrapping presents not your thing?  Bring your gifts with you and have them wrapped by experienced giftwrappers while you visit the Festival.  Most gifts are $2 per gift, although upcharges may apply for larger gifts.
  • The Family Snow Ball from 5pm until 7pm: Join us for this family-friendly event, where you’ll dance with Santa among the beautifully decorated trees.  The cost – $20 per family (2 adults, 3 children under 18) or $10 (single adult with 1 child) – includes music and entertainment,  one digital family photograph with Santa Claus (e-mailed to you for countless copies), cookie decorating, snacks and refreshments. 

In the past 24 years, Festival of Trees has raised almost $800,000 for Friends of Caroline Hospice. The Festival is the largest fundraiser for Friends of Caroline Hospice, with 100% of these funds going directly to help.

If you need more info, including details on the silent auction and who's helping put this event together check out the Festival of Trees website or their Facebook page.

The Charles Lind Brown Neighborhood Activity Center (formerly the Greene Street Gym) located at 1001 Hamar Street.