Beautifully decorated Christmas trees inspired by valley artists will fill the Valley Club in Hailey for three days to ring in the holidays. It's the time of year for the 12th annual Senior Connection Festival of Trees. The celebration, which benefits seniors living independently throughout the Wood River Valley, has been expanded to three days—Thursday, Dec. 3, through Saturday, Dec. 5.
A collection of 30 trees, which range from 16-inch tabletops to single-standing, 7-and-half-foot-tall trees, will be on display in a variety of shapes and sizes along with a showcase of items including wreaths and gingerbread houses. Every tree, wreath and gingerbread house is available for purchase. All proceeds support the Senior Connection's in-home care and Meals on Wheels programs.
The events begin on Thursday, Dec. 3, with a viewing and open house at the Valley Club in Hailey from 1-8 p.m. While viewing trees, participants can enjoy holiday desserts and warm winter beverages. Door prizes and raffle items will be available. A $5 donation is suggested.
A winter fashion show and luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. will take place on Friday, Dec. 4. The fashion show will be presented by Panache and will include festive seasonal wear and accessories. More door prizes and raffle items will be available. Seating is limited and tickets are $25, available at Panache in Sun Valley.
The festival will continue on Saturday, Dec. 5, with a breakfast with Santa Claus from 9-11 a.m., which will also include photo opportunities and a surprise visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Paws. Tickets are $6 for children and $12 for adults.
The Festival of Trees will culminate in a gala event and dinner on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 5:30-10:30 p.m. with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, silent auction and the musical accompaniment of R.L. Rowsey. This year's dinner selections from Chef Mike Diem will include grilled wild salmon with pineapple chimichurri tropical salsa and jasmine rice, simply grilled filet of beef with Yukon mashed potatoes, a vegetable du jour topped with a port wine demi-glace and a phyllo vegetable torte with roasted vegetables finished with a balsamic reduction.
A live auction will begin at 8:30 p.m. and dancing will conclude the evening with Swinging Sounds of the Season provided by Michael White. Seating is limited and tickets are $100 each.
The Festival of Trees has been delighting family members of all ages for over a decade. For details, call 788-3468.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
Alysa Armitage and Wes Pascale enjoy the annual Festival of Trees showcase, which benefits the Senior Connection. Photo by David N. Seelig
