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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 18, 2021)
3 FESTIVALS EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS AROUND EASTERN OREGON NOVEMBER 17�24, 2021 Festival of Trees spruces up holiday season By Tammy Malgesini Go! Magazine H ERMISTON — A reimag- ined Festival of Trees 2021 is planned for Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Hermiston Community Center, 415 S. Highway 395. “I’m excited about it because we’re fi nding a way to have Fes- tival of Trees this year where we couldn’t have it last year,” said Liz Marvin, event co-chair. Festival organizers were riding high in 2019 — tickets for the 25th annual gala din- ner and auction sold out within three days. And then things went dark in 2020 because of COVID-19 restrictions. As plans were pondered for the 2021 event, thoughts turned to providing a safe event for many to enjoy. Julie Puzey, publicity chair, said overall attendance in previ- ous years was limited due to the number of tables available. This year, with time slots for the viewing of holiday items, shop- ping and placing bids, more Western Feed, LLC Pendleton, OR 97801 people can attend. In addition, lower ticket prices makes it more aff ordable. Ticket costs and time slots are: 2-3 p.m., family hour, $25 per family; 3-4 p.m., individuals, $20 per person; and 4-5 p.m., 5-6 p.m. or 6-7 p.m., adults 21 and older, $20 per person (includes wine tasting). Tickets are available at the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce, 630 S. Highway 395, or by calling 541- 567-6151. Puzey is especially optimistic about this year’s festival. While it’s diff erent, she said it’s excit- ing that more people will be able to enjoy the festive holiday event. Those in attendance, she said, will be amazed. “The trees and wreaths and stockings are exquisite, creative and fun,” Puzey said. “There is so much creativity and imagination and artistic skill, plus the generosity of the sponsors and those in the com- munity who donate stuff that goes under the trees.” Cathy Wamsley, who coordi- nates large trees for the event, said the trees will appeal to a wide audience. Men, women and children will be drawn in with such themes as the Tammy Malgesini/EO Media Group, File A family visits with Santa Claus during a past Festival of Trees at the Hermiston Community Center. Tickets with designated time slots are available for purchase for this year’s Dec. 4 event. outdoors, fi shing, Christmas at home and “Bohemian Rhap- sody.” In addition, there will be smaller table-top trees as well as wreaths, stockings and holi- day gift baskets. Also, guests can win during the Day of 100 Gifts. Every 15 minutes, winners will be an- nounced — examples of gifts are coff ee from Honduras, wine, See’s Candies and Christmas decor. “We want people to come and see all the hard work of the decorators and sponsors, but people can bid without attend- ing the event,” Marvin said. Items can be purchased with either an online winning bid or with the “buy it now” feature. A computer link will be available on the event’s Facebook page, or text “Joy” to 71760. While this year’s event won’t include a catered meal, many area restaurants will off er Festi- val of Trees discounts. Informa- tion about participating eater- ies will be posted on the event’s social media. Festival organizers — Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation and the Hermiston Kiwanis Club — have provided funding support to more than 150 programs and projects in the community. For more information, search Instagram @festivaloftreeshermiston or visit www.facebook.com/- HermistonFestivalofTrees. (503) 317-3145 jon.westernfeedllc@gmail.com A unique boutique featuring local artisans from Grant County Featured Artist Gourmet Provisions, Majestic Pizza, Wine & Beer Bottle Wonderland, Dedicated Tap House, Craft Cocktails, Espresso Bar, Local & Far-Out Deli 403 S. Main Street Pendleton • 541.276.1350 • Over 25 local artisans • Handmade in Grant County • One of a kind, unique items • Artisan owned • Wood, textiles, jewelry, glass, soaps and lotions 133 W. Main, John Day, OR (541) 620-2638 facebook: etc.auniqueboutique email: etc.handmade@yahoo.com Daniel Martin