Celebration of Trees this weekend

The theme of this year's Celebration of Trees is 'Winter on the Waterfront.' Businesses and community groups come together to transform the Transit Shed (the Port Warehouse) into a beautiful holiday venue, filled with what are called fantasy trees and wreaths, which are auctioned off Saturday night

Funds raised during the live and silent auction benefit Island Hospital’s Community Health Screening Program, which provides low-cost and no-cost health screenings to the public. In three years, the Celebration of Trees has raised over $100,000 for this program.

The trees are decorated by themes set by the sponsoring organizations. One tree in particular may need special security this year. It's a wooden tree, sponsored by the island's Rotary clubs,  loaded with bottles of wine.

The event is open to the pubic at no charge Friday from noon to 10 pm and Saturday, from 10 am to 1 pm.

On Friday, visit with Santa and take your own pictures, look at beautifully decorated trees, enjoy complimentary cookies brought to you by John L. Scott Real Estate, hot cocoa by Windermere Real Estate, and coffee thanks to Fidalgo Bay Coffee. Watch dance and musical performances throughout the day and cheer for your favorite team of locals as they compete to build the best Gingerbread Creation during "Battle Gingerbread!"

On Saturday, get professional photos with Santa by Kevin McManus at $30 each.

Then, at 5 pm on Saturday night, come back for the live auction of trees. Tickets are $35 per person.