STARKVILLE – The Friends of the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum are excited to announce the return of the Festival of Trees, set to take place from Dec. 5 to Dec. 7. This beloved community event serves as both a fundraiser for the museum and a celebration of local holiday traditions.
The festival will feature beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, each showcasing the creativity of local businesses, organizations, and individuals. Participants will choose their own theme for their decorations, ensuring a diverse and festive display. Throughout the event, attendees will have the chance to bid on their favorite trees and wreaths through a silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the museum and its ongoing efforts to preserve and promote local history.
“We are very excited to host our second Festival of Trees. The Friends of the Museum Board decided to move forward with the event again this year because of its success in 2023,” Stephen Cunetto, Friends of the Museum President, said. “We could not do this without the generous support of our sponsors; the businesses, organizations and individuals who decorated the trees and wreaths; or our dedicated volunteers.”
In addition to the trees and wreaths, the museum itself will be adorned with a delightful array of vintage and contemporary holiday decorations. Volunteers from the Friends of the Museum will transform the space into a holiday wonderland, complete with an incredible collection of Santa figurines, vintage toys, and a whimsical Elf Workshop, where various elves will be showcased in charming holiday displays.
On Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon, children are invited to visit and interact with some elves who will be on hand to spread holiday cheer.
“I hope parents will bring their children to enjoy all the trees and decorations, but I especially encourage them to come on Saturday to see the elves and the Elf Workshop,” Trish Cunetto, Festival of Trees coordinator, said.
The Festival of Trees kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5, with the highly anticipated Tree Lighting Gala held at the museum. This ticketed event offers attendees the first chance to view the holiday decorations, enjoy hors d’oeuvres prepared by local volunteers, and participate in the silent auction. Gala guests will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree and wreath, adding to the festive fun.
The trees are being decorated by East Mississippi Lumber Company; Daughters of the American Revolution – Starkville chapter; Starkville Habitat for Humanity; Oktibbeha County Chapter of MSU Alumni Association; Starkville Town and Country Garden Club; Nancy Norwood and CJ Gray; Twigs Nursery; Salon 12 and Pattye Archer and Michele Crescenzo. Wreaths are being decorated by Montgomery Gardens Assisted Living; LPL Financial; Glo; Trish Cunetto; Derek Aaron; Joan Wilson and Cam McMillen; Daughter of the American Revolution – Starkville chapter.
Tickets for the Gala are $50 per person, while the Tour of Trees – available on Friday and Saturday – is just $10 per person. Children 12 years old and younger can enter for free. Tickets are available for purchase online through the museum’s website, at the museum itself, at The Book Mart, and through the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.
For more details, including ticket purchases and event updates, visit oktibbehaheritagemuseum.com or contact Derek Aaron, executive director, at [email protected] or Trish Cunetto at [email protected].
Don’t miss this chance to experience the holiday magic at the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum and support a great cause.
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