The end of autumn brings the 9th annual Festival of Trees . . .so MARK YOUR CALENDARS for November 25 and 26 for a terrific family holiday event.  (All proceeds benefit the Dove Center www.dovecenter.org).   The event takes place the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving Day at the Garrett County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building.

Start your morning with BREAKFAST WITH SANTA on either Friday or Saturday at the 9 a.m. or 10 a. m. seating with your BUDDY THE ELF Ticket ($10 per person). The $5 per person General Admission is included with a full breakfast, a gift for children, and priority in line for a professional photo with Santa in his sleigh.  Reservations are strongly recommended but not required.  For advance reservations, call Sherry 301-746-8117 or email sherbrad@verizon.net.  You can also use Pay Pal on the website: www.fotgc.org – Deadline for reservations is November 21  — and it is never too early to RSVP.

Even if you skip the Breakfast, you can pay $5 per person general admission.  MRS CLAUS’ KITCHEN is open serving modestly priced foods and beverages until 5 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday, sponsored by Sorrellee’s/Zipeez Market .  And you can MAKE YOUR OWN SUNDAE with Lakeside Creamery’s homemade ice cream.  Enjoy the FREE entertainment that includes SuGO interactive Lego robotics demos Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.   Enjoy the many local vendors with homemade crafted items, and others, for special items you won’t find in stores.

Children love Santa and his friends and Mrs. Santa, and this year features Buddy The Elf!  You can get pictures with the costumed characters and you can take your own pictures with Santa in his sleigh beginning around noon both days.  (Breakfast With Santa has priority.)  FROSTY’S FUNLAND has free kids’ activities and SANTA’S   BAKERY where they decorate their own cookies.  At ELFENHEIM MALL they can shop for only $1 per item for their friends and family gifts.   Parents are amazed at the quality items donated for the Mall.  Please note that these activities close at 4pm on Saturday so we can set up for our LIVE AUCTION that begins at 6 PM.

SILENT AUCTION is Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Saturday evening you are called if you win the bid to be picked up on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p. m. if you cannot get them Saturday before 6 p.m.  Vendors donate one of their items as do our local individuals and organizations.   What a fun way to support the Dove Center’s efforts for the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

It’s all about the joy and beauty of the creatively designed trees, wreaths, centerpieces and gingerbread houses!  All these are donated by our talented community individuals, students and organizations to support the Dove Center,  Garrett County’s domestic violence and sexual assault resource center.  The deadline for designer entries is October 31st to be included in our event program given to visitors.   Entry information on www.fotgc.org

At 4 p.m. on Saturday, PAUL BURGER on guitar will be on stage to perform for us until the Live Auction starts promptly at 6 p.m.  The vendors, kitchen, kids’ activities, all close at 4 p.m.   The bar is open by 5 p.m., sponsored by Dutch’s at Silver Tree, with all proceeds to benefit the Dove Center.

Come see who the judges award the prize ribbons and don’t miss the LIVE AUCTION.   Saturday at 6 p.m. promptly begins the GRAND FINALE LIVE AUCTION!   At 5 p.m., Bidders will be treated to complimentary foods sponsored by Dutch’s at Silver Tree.  In addition to the trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses, there will also be special items up for bidding that will make great gifts for any reason and any season.   Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations will safely deliver your tree FREE to your local home or business using a box truck sponsored by Black Bear Tavern, when you make arrangements at the front desk as you pay.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!  Contact Sherry at 301 746 8117 or sherbrad@verizon.net

See website www.fotgc.org for full information

It is with the support of these wonderful sponsors that help make this event possible:  Crossroads Church, Sorrellee’s Pizza Pub and Ice Cream Parlor, Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales, Dutch’s at Silver Tree, Black Bear Tavern, Mt Top Tree Farm, Lakeside Creamery, Little Mountain Promotions, Allegany Hearing and Balance,Nu Way Cleaners, Computer Consulting Services, Website Design and Management Team/David Lantz and Robyn Billings, CLS Printing,Lake-Front Magazine, Deep Creek Marina, Spring Creek Outfitters, West Central Equipment/John Deere, Master Craft Printers, The Republican Newspaper and Paul Burger, performer.

All proceeds benefit Dove Center, www.gcdovecenter.org