The holiday season is in full swing in Starkville as Friends of the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum present the Third Annual Festival of Trees, a celebration of creativity, community and holiday spirit.
The festivities begin with the Lighting of the Trees Gala at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Museum, 206 Fellowship St. The gala will feature the grand unveiling of beautifully decorated trees and wreaths created by local businesses, organizations and individuals. Guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, festive music, and a silent auction of the decorated trees and wreaths.
Tickets for the gala are $50 per person and may be purchased online at the museum’s website, at the museum or through the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.
The festival is a fundraiser for the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum, supporting enhancements to exhibits, facilities and museum grounds. Museum Executive Director Derek Aaron said this year’s event highlights local artistry in a new way: “We are thrilled to have commissioned a painting from local artist Kendrell Daniels. The piece will be unveiled at the gala and included in the silent auction.”
Following the gala, the Museum will be open to the public Friday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., coinciding with the Starkville Downtown Christmas Open House. Admission is $10 per person, with tickets available online or at the door.
This year’s festival will feature designs from Starkville businesses including East Mississippi Lumber Company, Starkville Downtown Association, Something Southern, Shipley’s Donuts and Twigs. Local organizations such as the Starkville Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Starkville Strong and the Starkville Town and County Garden Club will also contribute their creativity.
Community members decorating trees include Brian Hawkins, Derek Aaron, Cam McMillen, Joan Wilson, Nancy Norwood and CJ Gray. Wreaths will be created by Montgomery Gardens Assisted Living, Simply Home, Trish Cunetto, Yolanda Walker, The Collective, Flower Company and Luna Bella.
Trish Cunetto, secretary of the Friends of the Museum and festival organizer, said attendees can vote for their favorite trees and bid on them in the silent auction. “We’ve also added a new 4-foot tree category this year for those who want a smaller tree for a porch or limited space,” she said.
Sponsors for the festival include Jim and Suzy Turner, Alice Carol Caldwell, McBride and Company Real Estate, Oktibbeha County Co-Op, Renasant Bank and Redd Family Insurance.
For tickets and more information, visit www.oktibbehaheritagemuseum.com.
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