Winning designer and school trees announced for annual Barton Festival of Trees & Lights

The 8th annual Barton Festival of Trees & Lights at MontBleu got underway on Thursday with the Senior Stroll, complete with an ukulele concert and treats.

Judging of the decorated trees also took place. A team of local media, chamber members and educators viewed the trees and judged them on criteria including elegance, theme and creativity.

The Best of Show and Best Interpretation of Theme awards went to "Woodland Queen."

Winning the "Most Elegant" category was "Winter Ice" which was designed by Katie Long of Thran's Flowers.

Most Creative award went to Lisa Shafer of Wildwood Makers Market for her "Gateau et Torta."

Ten trees were designed by ten local teams and included trees named Heavenly Hawaii, Flying Mulligan and Pink Pirouette.

Local schools also got into the game with creating trees of their own to be on display at the event which goes until Sunday, December 4.

Winners of the school category:

Most Out of the Box:
Lake Tahoe Environmental Magnet School

Best Use of Theme:
Tahoe Valley Elementary

Handcrafted with Care:
Sierra House Elementary

A gift shop is opened inside the festival that sells a great assortment of unique ornaments, decorations and gifts, as well as the famous Barton Cheese Balls.

The remainder of the schedule:

Public Viewing at Barton Health's 8th Annual Festival of Trees and Lights
Friday, December 2, 9am-1:30pm
Friday Family Night, December 2, 5pm-9pm
Saturday, December 3, 10am-2pm
Admission: Seniors (55+) and Children (2-12): $3; Adults: $5

Special Friday Family Night Price: $25 per family, up to six people
Locals and visitors are invited to attend this family-friendly, holiday extravaganza. The MontBleu Convention Center will be transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday trees and wreaths. Throughout each day, attendees can watch holiday performances, shop for holiday gifts, enter raffles, and get a family photo with Santa. Children, along with their parents, can stop by the Teddy Bear hospital any time during the festival for an animal-friendly check-up.

The 25th Annual Gala
Saturday, December 3, 5:30-11pm
Mont Bleu Resort
Celebrate the holidays in style at this black-tie optional event. Features a 4-course gourmet meal, live and silent auction, dancing, and more. All proceeds will benefit the Community Health Endowment. For more information, go to www.FestivalofTreesLakeTahoe.org. Tickets for The Gala can be purchased on the website or by calling 530.543.5909.

Teddy Bear Brunch
Sunday, December 4, 10am-12pm
Brunch: Adults (13 and over): $35. Children (2-12): $25.
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 adopt one from the Teddy Bear Hospital, to be pampered and dressed. Get your tickets early - this event sells out! Tickets available at festivaloftreeslaketahoe.org.

For more information or to purchase tickets, attendees can go to festivaloftreeslaketahoe.org or call 530.543.5909. Entrance for public viewing is $3 for children or seniors and $5 for adults. Family rates are available.

All children receive a complimentary teddy bear when they visit the Teddy Bear Hospital.