Opening of holiday season: Annual Festival of Trees and Lights

STATELINE, Nev. - There is something for everyone, young and old, at the 10th annual Festival of Trees and Lights this weekend at MontBleu Resort. The convention center at the Stateline casino has been turned into a winter wonderland that is highlighted by the star of the show, the festive Christmas trees.

The winter celebration includes the Senior Stroll, Teddy Bear Brunch, Family Night, the Gala and much more from Friday, Dec. 7 through Sunday, Dec. 9.

Public viewing: Friday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Additional revelry and merriment can be experienced at the Festival’s special events:

Friday, Dec. 7: Seniors (ages 55 and over) can attend the Senior Stroll from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This includes viewing the holiday displays, live entertainment, and light refreshments at no cost.

Friday, Dec. 7: 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).

Saturday, Dec. 8: The Gala is a black tie soiree that includes a five-course meal, dancing, and silent and live auctions for unique experiences and items. All proceeds from the Gala will help fund the expansion of Barton Health’s medical equipment and technology.

Sunday, Dec. 9: Children and their families can attend the Teddy Bear Brunch (picture below) from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This tradition includes a family-friendly brunch, an opportunity to write to Santa (who is great at writing back), a goody bag for each child, holiday crafts, the Teddy Bear Hospital, and a photo with Santa.

Special events do sell out and it is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are available here: .https://www.bartonhealth.org/foundation/festival-of-trees-and-lights2

Entrance for public viewing is $3 for children (ages 2 to 12) and seniors (ages 55 and over), $5 for adults and teens (ages 13 and over), and free for children under 2.

At the Festival of Trees and Lights, the Barton Foundation’s team of staff and volunteers transform MontBleu’s Convention Center into a holiday spectacle. Attendees can marvel at trees and wreaths decorated by local artists, take photos with Santa, visit the Teddy Bear Hospital, participate in a children’s crafting area, shop at a gift shop stocked with holiday décor, win raffle prizes, and enjoy a full lineup of live entertainment.

All proceeds from the Festival of Trees and Lights benefit the Barton Foundation’s Community Health Endowment, a gift that keeps on giving. The Community Health Endowment provides grant funds to area schools and organizations for projects and programs that address the community’s unmet health needs.

The theme of the festival this year is "Hollywood Glam." A group of seven local "celebrities" voted on the trees this year, selecting the best school trees where their theme was Technology and the best designer trees and wreaths. They also chose the best of the Barton staff trees and wreaths. All trees and wreaths at the event will be bid on during the Gala.

Designer Trees

Most Elegant: Hollywood Glam, designed by Katie Long of Thran’s Flowers

Best Theme: A Very Snoopy Christmas, designed by Marsha Ticas

Most Creative: A Homage to Winter Sports, designed by Belen Urritia of Sierra-at-Tahoe

Best of Show: A Homage to Winter Sports, designed by Belen Urritia of Sierra-at-Tahoe

Designer Wreaths

Winner: Candy Land, designed by Marsha Ticas

Runner-up: Winter Flight, designed by Joanne Donmoyer

School Tree Category

Handcrafted with Heart: Technology in the Garden, designed by Sierra House Elementary

Best Use of School or Festival Theme: #WHATSAPP (Technology), designed by Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School

Most Creative (tie): A Tree Full of Technology, Tahoe Valley Elementary and #WHATSAPP, Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School

Barton Health Mini Tree Category

Winner: International Holiday, created by Barton Hospital Rehabilitation

Barton Health Wreath Category

Winner: Cork n’ More, created by Barton Health Patient Access

There is still time to vote for the People’s Choice Award at the Festival events that take place throughout the weekend, including family night, public viewing, and the Teddy Bear Brunch.

Find more information call 530.543.5909.