32nd annual Festival of Trees Friday benefits many organizations

WORLAND – The Christmas season is upon us and to kick start the holiday season the 32nd annual Festival of Trees hosted by the Pinnacle Bank in Worland at the Worland Community Center Complex is Friday evening.

Local organizations, businesses and individuals decorate trees, wreaths and create miscellaneous items to be auctioned off, with the money going to several local charities. In 2016 the Festival of Trees raised $19,150 for 30-40 organizations.

“By purchasing one of the items you will be helping one of the many worthwhile charities or non-profit organizations in our community that desperately need our help,” Pinnacle Bank President Gil McEndree said in an earlier interview.

Friday evening the doors to the Festival of Trees will open at 5 p.m. for people to view and choose their favorite of the 24 trees, 10 wreaths and 11 miscellaneous items that will be up for auction at 6 p.m.

“We appreciate any and all the donations and the bidding that goes on. It goes to a good cause and stays local,” Festival of Trees coordinator Linda Keyes said.

Saturday morning the purchased items can be viewed by the public from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Each item will have a plaque stating who decorated the item and who purchased it. Live entertainment is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. featuring:

— Willie and Amy Wright from 9:30 - 10 a.m.

— Courtney Seghetti Dance ensemble from 10- 10:30 a.m.

— Worland High School Choir students from 10:30 – 11 a.m.

— Jack and Tanner Stott from 11- 11:30 a.m.

— Sherra Mills from 11:30-noon.

— Liz Jolley from noon – 12:30 p.m.

— Worland High School Choir students from 12:30-1p.m.