The Festival of Trees has been a Central Oregon tradition for almost four decades. For many Central Oregonians, it is the opening event to their holiday season. But for the past two years, the pandemic transformed Festival of Trees into Tour of Trees. And while the event was a great success, it wasn’t the same for loyal eventgoers. Now in its 39th year, Festival of Trees is back to its traditional in-person format, and it will be an event you won’t want to miss.
What is Festival of Trees?
Festival of Trees is our primary fundraising event. The funds raised during the event allow us to provide terminally ill people and their families with services not covered by Medicare or private insurance. These services include bereavement counseling, the Transitions program for people with life-limiting illnesses, and Camp Sunrise, an annual grief camp for children throughout Central Oregon. As a non-profit, we are 100% dependent on the generosity of our community to support the services we provide to residents in need.
Making the 2022 Festival of Trees an Event to Remember
Festival of Trees planning begins many months before the actual event. This year, Marketing Coordinator Jayme O’Neill teamed up with Hospice of Redmond Board of Directors President Andrea Springer to bring Central Oregon an event to remember.
“When Hospice of Redmond hired me, I knew a big part of my role was to plan Festival of Trees,” said Jayme O’Neill. “It has been so much fun to work alongside Andrea Springer this year. We’ve brought in a new catering company and entertainment that will be sure to please.”
Many outstanding organizations sponsor the event. Festival of Trees would not be the same without them the kindness and generosity of our local business community.
But What About the Trees?
The event wouldn’t be what it is without beautifully decorated trees. This year, we have 27 trees that some very talented people will decorate on Friday, December 2nd. And these aren’t just ordinary Christmas trees. Each tree is an actual piece of art that is designed according to a theme chosen by the decorator. In addition to the tree, most also include a variety of gifts, many of which are donated by local businesses. Last year’s top bidding tree was Christmas at the Lodge, it sold for $6,500.
What Happens at Festival of Trees?
This year, like years in the past, the event will be held at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. On Saturday, December 3rd, at 10 am, the doors of the Middle Sister Building will open for four hours for a free family viewing of the trees. Then, promptly at 5 pm, the formal Gala begins. People dress up in their finest and enjoy a night of delicious food, drink, laughter, and of course, trees. The event’s finale is the Live Auction, where all the beautiful trees find new homes. We will also have a Silent Auction, including items donated by our local community. To bid on a tree, you must attend the Gala, as we will not be offering virtual bidding this year. The winning trees will be delivered to their new owners on Sunday, December 4th.
Tickets are on sale for the Gala and Live Auction. Please join us if you’d like to be a part of the 39th Annual Festival of Trees. We would love the honor of your presence at our favorite event of the year. You can purchase tickets online here. You can still support Hospice of Redmond if you can’t come by donating any amount here.
It is hard to imagine how special hospice is until you experience it firsthand. Please help us spread the word about Festival of Trees. Your support means the world to all of us.