WINNEMUCCA - The Winnemucca Host Lions and Leos clubs are holding their first Festival of Trees this holiday season to raise money and awareness for club programs.
All local businesses and organizations have the opportunity to donate a fully decorated artificial tree to be judged and auctioned to support community programs. Creativity is encouraged and organizers ask that all trees also come with an 8-by-10 sign depicting company or organization logos and an explanation of the tree's theme, if it has one.
Finished trees can be delivered to the Winnemucca Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., or Friday, Nov. 23, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The trees will be judged Friday evening and the silent auction will take place throughout the three-day event from Nov. 23 to Nov. 25. Trees will be awarded to the highest bidders during a bidders' reception Saturday evening.
The event will host other activities including photo opportunities with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, children's activities, and a gingerbread house competition. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Families will have the option to make those photos into holiday cards as well. A mailbox will also be set up for kids who wish to drop off a letter to Mrs. Claus.
For those children and families who wish to participate in the gingerbread house competition, Walmart will be hosting a gingerbread clinic. Kids can pick up all the supplies they need to build their house and prepare it for the competition. Parents can drop the houses off at the exhibition hall once they are completed and pick them under Sunday after judging.
To gain entrance to the event, WHLC asks that community members bring a small donation. Friday night proceeds will go to the Winnemucca Food Bank. Guests are asked to give a $3 contribution or donate a non-perishable item. Saturday night proceeds will go to Kidz 'n Cops. Guests can give a $3 contribution or bring a toy to donate.
Event organizer Sunny Johnson said that the Lions Club programs are needed in the community, and the event is for a good cause.
"The Lions Club programs are so important," she said, "and there is more of a need for them."
Interested businesses and organizations can contact Susan Shepler at (775) 240-6980, Sunny Johnson at (775) 304-0396, or Stephanie Bauman at (775) 304-6479.
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