Barton's Festival of the Trees and Lights opens; Winners announced

The annual Barton Foundation Festival of Trees and Lights opened Wednesday at MontBleu with tree judging and the Senior Stroll.

The winners of the designer and school trees and wreath contests:

Designer Tree Category

Best Interpretation of Theme: No Place Like Home, by Cyndy Brown – Carlton

Most Elegant: Tantalizing Tango, by Belen Urrutia

Most “Out of the Box” (Creative): Steampunk Christmas, by Jeri Oishi & Enchanted Florist team

Best of Show: Tantalizing Tango, by Belen Urrutia

LTUSD Trees:

Handcrafted with Heart: Lake Tahoe Homeschoolers

Best Use of Theme: Sierra House

Most Creative: Lake Tahoe Homeschoolers

Best Barton Tree:

Corky Christmas, by Barton Medical Imaging Department

Best Barton Wreath:

I’m Dreaming of a Wine Christmas, by Barton Laboratory Department

The schedule for the five days of festivities:

Public Viewing

December 3-5 from 10am - 2pm

Ticket Price:

$5 for adults
$3 for senior citizens (55+) FREE on Senior Stroll Day, Wednesday, December 2
$3 for children (ages 3-12)
Children 2 and under are free

Entertainment

December 2-6

The Festival will feature non-stop entertainment on the Festival stage. Watch for local dance troupes, singing groups, magic shows, and more! Thank you to our entertainers! Thank you to Jesse Kalin, the Strolling Minstrel, "The Balloon Guy", Miss Marcia's Shining Stars, The Bijou Ballet, Forever Dance, Pau Wa Lu Middle School Steel Drums and Tahoe Hula and so much more! Complete schedule HERE.

Gingerbread Junction

December 3-6 | Open during Public Viewing hours and during the Teddy Bear Brunch!

The Gingerbread Junction is the crafts area of the Festival where kids are invited to color, glue and construct fun holiday crafts to keep.

Kids can also write a letter to Santa here and drop in the big red mailbox. If they write their address on the letter, he will be sure to write back!

Teddy Bear Hospital

December 3-6 | Open during Public Viewing hours and during the Teddy Bear Brunch

Children ages 12 and under are invited to visit the Teddy Bear Hospital – a fun, interactive place where they learn about their health and hospitals in a safe, "no poke" environment from Barton Health's wonderfully caring doctors, nurses and staffers.

Each child will receive a free teddy bear as they are admitted to the Teddy Bear Hospital. Their journey through the emergency room, the operating room, and the doctor's office help build confidence and alleviate fears. Their "patient" teddy bear is theirs to take home and treasure this holiday season and for years to come.

Santa Photos

December 3-6 | Open during public viewing hours and during the Teddy Bear Brunch

Santa Claus himself will be on hand to help at this year's Festival. Photos with Santa are $10 each.

Designer Trees and Holiday Displays

December 2-6

The Festival owes much of its success to the many designers who create these one-of-a-kind items. Many of the trees glow with more than 2,500 lights and include gift packages ranging from exotic trips to unique items. Each tree is live auctioned at The Gala on December 5, 2015 and proceeds benefit the Community Health Endowment. Vote on your favorite tree for the "People's Choice Award"!

Silent Auction

December 2-6 | Open during public viewing hours

Holiday decorating wouldn't be the same without a wreath on the door or above the mantel. These fantastic pieces along with many other unique holiday decorations and gifts can be found on display and ready to bid on. Proceeds from the Festival Silent Auction benefit Barton Health's Level III Trauma Center.

This year we are upgrading to Mobile Bidding - cutting edge technology that will allow you to continue to bid on items even after you've left the Festival. This year the Silent Auction will close for bidding on the evening of Saturday, December 5th, so don't wait!

Raffles

December 3-6 | Open during public viewing hours

Each year, amazing items and packages donated by generous businesses and individuals are raffled off, and all proceeds raised benefit Barton Health's Level III Trauma Center. Raffle tickets are just $5 each. Look for the raffle sellers at Festival for your chance to buy tickets and win some amazing prizes. Last year one of the prizes was a family trip to Disneyland! Thank you to the generous businesses and individuals who have donated items.

Mrs. Claus' Gift Shop

December 2-6 | Open during public viewing hours

The Barton Auxiliary creates the most wonderful holiday store! Shop here for ornaments, décor, See's candies and of course, their world-famous cheese balls!

The Gala

December 5, 2015 | 5pm-11:30pm

South Lake Tahoe's premier event is a not-to-be-missed, black-tie dinner, live auction, and fundraiser. Complete with a 5-course meal, exclusive silent auction, signature cocktail, dancing, and so much more, this memorable event raises funds for the Barton Foundation's Community Health Endowment.

The Fund-a-Need appeal at The Gala raises funds for Barton Health's Level III Trauma Center.

Reservations Required, Black Tie Optional. For tickets, or to purchase a table, call the Barton Foundation at 530-543-5614.

Ticket Prices:

Individual Admission: $200 per person
Patron Table of 10: $2,300 per table
Benefactor Table of 10: $3,500 per table
(Exclusive white-glove service, specialty wine, premier live auction seating, and standout decor.) Only 4 benefactor tables are available each year - this year they are SOLD OUT!

Teddy Bear Brunch

Sunday, December 6, 2015 | 10am to noon

Teddy Bear Brunch includes food and fun for the entire family. In addition to coloring books, crayons, and a goody bag for each child, kids will enjoy crafts, Teddy Bear Hospital, and a photo with Santa! Bring a favorite teddy bear from home, or from the Teddy Bear Hospital, to be pampered and dressed. Purchase tickets online. Get your tickets early - this event sells out!

Adults (13 and over), $30. Children (2-12), $25. Children under 2 years old are FREE!

Family Night

December 4th | 5 pm-9 pm

Special late-night Festival public viewing hours at a family-friendly price!

Admission: $25 per family (includes a family of 6 and one Santa photo). Tickets available online and at the door. Call 530-543-5909 for more information.

More information on their website, www.festivaloftreeslaketahoe.org.