WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – A sparkling winter village full of shops, a snowy gingerbread village, sounds of the holidays and a collection of more than 40 beautifully decorated Christmas trees will highlight the 22nd annual Festival of Trees, a holiday tradition that benefits patients and programs at Brenner Children’s Hospital, part of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
The 2009 Festival of Trees will be held at the Education Building on the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and on Sunday, Nov. 22, from noon until 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 2-12. Tickets are sold only at the door. Parking is free.
Festival highlights include special displays of decorated miniature trees and wreaths, a children’s activities area, holiday entertainment and shopping. The centerpieces of the festival are 40 Christmas trees, each decorated in a holiday theme by community volunteers and the Friends of Brenner Children’s Hospital.
“The Festival of Trees has always been one of the largest fundraisers for Brenner, and it is an event that brings the community together to raise money for programs that help patients and their families,” said Susan Kennedy, director of annual support and special projects at Wake Forest Baptist. “We encourage everyone to come out, celebrate the holidays and support the pediatric programs at Brenner Children’s Hospital.”
The festival will have a wide range of specialty shops with an assortment of gifts, including items from Karen and Nancy Homemade Goodies, Sassy Selections, Hip Chics Boutique, Ritual Waters and The Pampered Chef.
Shoppers can bid on gingerbread houses through a silent auction in the festival’s Gingerbread Village, or purchase beautifully decorated miniature trees and wreaths. For non-shoppers who just want to enjoy the holiday atmosphere, entertainment will be provided by such groups as Triad Baptist Hand Bell Choir, Whitaker Elementary School Chorus, Snappy Tappers and Academy of Dance Arts.
Santa Claus will arrive Saturday morning for a special breakfast from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. He will be on hand to listen to every child’s wish list, and his elf will be there to take photos. Children under 12 may go to the children’s activities area to make crafts, play games or visit the Children’s Shop (no adults allowed) and purchase gifts, all under $6, for family, teachers and friends.
For more information, contact Cindy Caines at (336) 716-7985.
Media Relations
Rae Bush: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587
Eric Whittington: ewhittin@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-5318