Oglebay Institute’s Festival of Trees Returns November 10-18.
During Festival of Trees, volunteer decorators transform Oglebay’s Pine Room into a Christmas wonderland of fully decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces and swags. All items are for sale and proceeds benefit Oglebay Institute’s arts, cultural, and nature programs. Presented by Belmont Savings Bank, the Festival also highlights Oglebay Institute programming throughout the week.
Bring Comfort & Joy to Hospitalized Patients
In addition to full size trees and other items that people can purchase for their home or business, the annual event features a new twist for 2017 to bring a little comfort and joy to those hospitalized during Christmas.
Oglebay Institute has partnered with Ohio Valley Medical Center and Wheeling Hospital to execute the “Holiday Angel Project,” which provides holiday mini trees to patient rooms on Christmas.
“There is no place like home for the holidays, but for those that are sick and hospitalized during Christmas, being home simply isn’t an option,” Oglebay Institute marketing director Misty Klug said. “Thoughtful gifts and acts of kindness for these patients and their families can help ease the pain of being away from during this special time.”
Become a Holiday Angel
Festival of Trees goers can purchase one or more holiday mini trees. They can write a personalized message of encouragement on the gift tag included with each tree. Or, if they prefer, Oglebay Institute will enclose a general holiday message with the anonymous gift. Hospital personnel will deliver the trees to patient rooms on Christmas.
“The Holiday Angel Project has a double giving impact. Not only does it raise much-needed funds to support community arts and cultural projects at Oglebay Institute but also brightens the hospital rooms and spirits of area patients,” Oglebay Institute president Danielle McCracken said.
Mini trees are available in a variety of sizes, colors and styles and cost between $45-$60.
“Shoppers can choose a tree they like and feel good knowing that it will bring some joy to a person going through a difficult time. Many times people want to make homemade gifts for random acts of kindness like this, but they lack the time. The Holiday Angel Project makes it easy for people to embrace the spirit of giving.”
Holiday Angel trees will be displayed alongside the fully decorated trees in the Pine Room at Oglebay throughout the week.
Thank You Sponsors & Volunteers!
McCracken said Festival of Trees is made possible through the generosity of area businesses. In additional to main event sponsor Belmont Savings Bank, the Cafaro Foundation, Ohio Valley Mall, Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration and Perkins Restaurant and Bakery have provided additional support.
Dozens of volunteers have shared their time and talents to decorate the mini trees, full size trees, wreaths, centerpieces and more. Through their generosity and creativity, area residents can enjoy a beautiful holiday display and purchase items for themselves or others.
Join Us for the Opening Reception Nov. 10
Festival of Trees kicks off Friday, November 10 with an opening reception from 7-9 p.m. The cost is $35 and includes a variety of food stations as well as a beer and wine bar.
Beginning November 11, the Festival is open daily 2-7. Admission is $5 adults; $4 senior citizens and children ages 5-12. Children 4 & under are admitted free of charge. Many special events take place throughout the week.
Festival of Trees Special Events:
Opening Night Reception
7-9pm Friday, November 10
Enjoy food stations and a beer & wine bar, and be among the first to purchase a tree for yourself, your business, a local family or organization in need or a hospitalized patient. Purchase tickets online.
Children’s Breakfast Among the Trees
9-10:15am or 10:45am-12pm Saturday, November 11
Our friends at Perkin’s Restaurant & Bakery cook up a delicious breakfast of waffles, scrambled eggs and bacon. The breakfast will be hot, but the fun will be “Frozen!” Make Olaf ornaments, Elsa crowns and Sven antlers. WTOV’s Snow Bird will join the fun, interact with guests & pose for photos. Register online.
Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance Jr. High Jazz Ensemble presents “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
6 pm Monday, November 13
Business & Civic Clubs Luncheon Among the Trees
Noon-1: 30pm Tuesday, November 14
Kick off the holiday season and celebrate the spirit of giving with fellow business professionals and civic leaders. Enjoy a buffet lunch among the beautifully decorated trees and mingle with friends and colleagues in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Your ticket also includes five complimentary raffle tickets. Call 304-242-4200 to reserve your spot.
An Afternoon for Seniors with the Ron Retzer Trio
1-3pm Wednesday, November 15
Join us for refreshments and holiday tunes performed by the Ron Retzer Trio. Register online.
Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance High School Tap Ensemble presents “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
6 pm Wednesday, November 15
Triadelphia Middle School Chorus
6pm Thursday, November 16
Wine Tasting
7-9pm Saturday, November 18
Experience a tasting of six wines paired with a scrumptious assortment of hors d’oeuvres. Purchase tickets online.
For more information on Oglebay Institute’s Festival of Trees, visit www.oionline.com or call 304-242-4200.
