Magical display of themed Christmas trees at South Lake Tahoe holiday event

The grand hall at MontBleu Casino Resort has been turned into a holiday paradise, a winter wonderland with the main attraction being the specialty Christmas trees.

On Thursday, local celebrities and media strolled by each of the designer trees, selecting those that won top honors of Most Elegant, Best Theme, Most Creative and Best of Show.

The excellent work on each made it almost impossible to come up with a winner, but four were chosen after much deliberation. Each tree will be paired with a special prize package during a live auction at Saturday's Gala.

Most Elegant: Ohana at the Ocean, made by Marty Chartraw-Green

Once again, we bring you the spirit of Aloha with a signature island adventure. You’ll enjoy four nights in an ocean view accommodation at the recently transformed Wailea Beach Resort– Marriott, Maui. The striking sight of the vast Pacific greets you the moment you arrive. Humpback whales and gorgeous sunsets are the backdrop as you explore Maui’s natural surroundings. The new Wailea Beach Resort is a source of serenity and renewal, and a wellspring of Hawaiian culture and tradition. We invite you to tap into the energy and spirit of a place, and an island, like no other. And, to get into the spirit of Hawaii, you’ll be taking home a beautiful ocean inspired tree designed by Barton Foundation’s very own Marty Green-Chartraw. To make the travel easier, we are including a one-night stay in a Tower Guest Room and breakfast for two in Toucan Charlie’s Buffet & Grille at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno. A special thanks to Wailea Beach Resort, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and Marty Green-Chartraw.

Best Theme: Live in Lake Tahoe, made by Katie Long (Thran's Flowers)

#3 Live in Lake Tahoe Sponsored by Sierra Nevada Medical Imaging Drs. Paul Knight, Len Holmgren and Rob Silk Year after year, Katie Long of Thran’s flowers astounds us with her gorgeous trees! Take home this stunning tree and you’ll also get to enjoy a fabulous couples weekend just across the lake at the beautiful Resort at Squaw Creek. This package includes a one-night stay in one of the hotel’s luxurious ski-in/ski-out rooms and lift tickets for two at Squaw Valley Ski Resort. In addition, you will be treated to a 2.5 hour private cruise to Emerald Bay for 15 people aboard Tahoe Cruise’s 1950 wood cruiser, the Tahoe. This is a fabulous getaway not too far from home! A special thanks to Katie Long, Resort at Squaw Creek, Squaw Valley Ski Resort, and Cruise Tahoe.

Most Creative: Merry Sithmas, a Star Wars Tree, made by Kyra Abramson

Every Star Wars fan’s dream! This unique designer-decorated tabletop tree is the brainchild of our own Kyra Abramson. In addition to this fabulous tree you will also be treated to four tickets to Disneyland, a two hour Wheel Fun bike rental in Long Beach, Star Wars themed dishes for four, your very own “Han Solo, frozen in carbonite” fabric shower curtain, and assorted Star Wars décor. A special thanks to Kyra Abramson, Disney and Wheel Fun.

Package details: Four one-day Disney Parkhopper tickets for Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure. Expires 10/6/2019. Not valid December 25-31 of any year.

Best of Show: Heirlooms Revisited, made by Diana Mechals (The Petal Pusher)

Discover Canada’s proud heritage at impressive national sites and famous landmarks, including the Rideau Canal, a historic waterway that is filled with boaters from spring through fall and turns into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter, winding through the heart of Ottawa. Ottawa offers a widely acclaimed culinary community, unique boutiques and shopping districts, a lively local music and art scene, and exciting nightlife. This package includes, your choice of one culinary workshop for two at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa, Ontario, afternoon Tea for two at Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Ottawa, a three-night stay in a traditional Fairmont room at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Ottawa and daily breakfast for two, and a gorgeous heirloom themed designer tree by Diana Mechals of The Petal Pusher. Special thanks to Diana Mechals.

During the weekend-long Festival of Trees, attendees will be voting on "People's Choice."

A special group of trees were voted on separately, those created by Bijou Elementary, Sierra House Elementary, Tahoe Valley Elementary, Lake Tahoe Environmental Science and South Tahoe Middle and High schools.

Best Use of Festival or School Theme award goes to Bijou Elementary School for "Bedazzled."

Handcrafted With Heart (handmade ornaments) award goes to Sierra House Elementary for their "Mountain Playtime" tree.

Most Creative/Creativity award goes to the Magnet School and their Turtle Paradise" tree.

The public is welcome to attend the events at MontBleu through Sunday, December 3.
Besides the beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and decorations are on display as well as the Mrs. Santa gift shop with the famous Barton cheese balls (while they last) and unique presents.

This year will be the ninth annual event and funds raised will help Barton Health expand their Mental and Behavioral Health services.

There is also a children’s crafting area, photos with Santa, Teddy Bear Hospital, raffle prizes, and a full lineup of live entertainment.

Public viewing
Friday, Dec. 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost is $5 for adults, $2 for children and tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

Special Events
Friday, Dec. 1: Family Night offers a viewing from 5;00 p.m. to 9;00 p.m. at the family-friendly price of $25 for up to six people (children ages 2 and under are free), which includes a photo with Santa. Tickets are sold at the door.

Saturday, Dec. 2: The Gala lights up Saturday night at the Festival from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. This black tie soiree includes a five-course meal, a signature cocktail, dancing, plus silent and live auctions for highly sought-after items. $200 per person, table and sponsor pricing is available.

Sunday, Dec. 3: Children and their families can attend the Teddy Bear Brunch from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., where they can write a letter to Santa (who will be sure to write back), and make a visit to the Teddy Bear Hospital; a fun and interactive place to learn about health and hospitals through the care of a complimentary teddy bear. Admission: Adults (13 and over), $35. Children (2-12), $25. Children under 2 years old are free.

Special events do sell out and it is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance.

The 2017 Festival of Trees and Lights will support expanded Mental and Behavioral Health services through Barton Health, including improvements to the Barton Community Health Center and Crisis Intervention Training for Barton Emergency Department and nursing staff.

“The Festival of Trees and Lights provides for exceptional care programs for our community’s well-being while offering holiday cheer, family fun, and excitement for the season,” said Troy Matthews, Executive Director of the Barton Foundation.

For more information or to purchase tickets, attendees can go to festivaloftreeslaketahoe.org or call 530.543.5909.