PORT ANGELES — A longtime Thanksgiving weekend tradition in Port Angeles is back. The 35th Annual Festival of Trees kicks off Tuesday evening with Opening Ceremonies on the lawn of the Vern Burton Community Center.
The event starts at 5 p.m., and this year organizers are adding a little extra magic — including a snow-making machine and four large set pieces brought in from Westlake Park. The Port Angeles City Ballet will also take the stage, performing the history of The Nutcracker to match this year’s theme.
The Festival of Trees is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Olympic Medical Center Foundation. Inside the Vern Burton Center, visitors will find about 50 elaborately decorated Christmas trees and wreaths, all created by local designers.
After Tuesday’s kickoff, the festival picks back up Friday with two Teddy Bear Teas and the annual Gala dinner and tree auction, followed by an After-Hours Party at the Red Lion Hotel with music from Reckless Dove.
Saturday brings the Senior Breakfast with the Stardust Big Band, and then Family Days on Saturday and Sunday — offering kids’ activities, holiday music, photos with Santa, and a chance to browse the decorated trees. Visitors can also purchase a wreath or enter a raffle to win a six-foot Christmas tree.
More information and tickets are available at OMHF.org, by calling 360-417-7144, or by stopping by the OMC Foundation office on Georgiana Street.