Festival of Trees Celebrates Seventh Year of Charity Tree Decorating Competition

Grand Boulevard’s seventh annual “Festival of Trees” will showcase 12 uniquely decorated Christmas trees from area non-profit organizations, Nov. 22 – Dec. 25 in Grand Park. The public is invited to attend the kick-off on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., as the trees are lighted, judged on their decorations and winners are announced at 6 p.m.  A People’s Choice winner will be selected by the voting public that night as well. Refreshments will be served, making this a fun kickoff to the holidays for the entire family.

 

This year’s participating organizations are: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Children in Crisis, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Emerald Coast Relay for Life, Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles, Heart Animal Rescue, Shelter House, The ARC of the Emerald Coast and The ARC of Walton County.

 

The non-profit organizations are competing to win cash prizes totaling $7,000, including Best of Show and People’s Choice. The People’s Choice winner will be voted on and announced along with Best of Show, Second and Third Place winners at the kick-off, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. For the People’s Choice Award, the public will vote for their favorite tree between 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Grand Park and the tree with the most votes will win.

 

Last year, Building Homes for Heroes won Best of Show for the second year in a row, taking home $2,500.  For the first time ever, there was a tie for second place with Heart Animal Rescue and Emerald Coast Theatre Company each winning $1,250 for their organizations. The Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast won the People’s Choice Award and received $2,000.

 

This year’s Best of Show purse is $2,500, Second Place is $1,500, Third Place is $1,000 and People’s Choice winner receives $2,000.

 

The trees will be on display through Christmas and open to the public to enjoy at no cost. This free event is presented as part of the Coastal Culture calendar of events, made possible by Grand Boulevard Arts & Entertainment Program.

 

About Grand Boulevard

Grand Boulevard is the shop, dine, play and stay Town Center located on Northwest Florida’s Beaches. Based on the prominent mixed-use architectural model, Grand Boulevard offers a dynamic lifestyle experience with convenient access to a multitude of exclusive shopping and dining options, entertainment, professional services, corporate offices and lodging. Grand Boulevard is a Howard Group and Merchants Retail Partners property. For more information, please call (850) 837-3099 or visit www.grandboulevard.com.