A Whidbey Island holiday tradition returns to North Whidbey for the eleventh year, as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County presents its annual Festival of Trees Gala and Auction.

This year’s festival will be held Friday, Dec. 4, starting at 5 p.m. at the Elk’s Lodge in Oak Harbor. Tickets are $85 per person.

This entertaining formal event, featuring uniquely decorated trees and wreaths benefits the children in the community allowing them to be matched in one-to-one relationships with positive role-models through the nonprofit organization.

Nationally, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been the leader in one-to-one mentoring for more than 100 years. On Whidbey Island, the organization has more than 11 years with proven success in creating positive friendships that benefit children, volunteers, families, schools and our entire community.

For years, dedicated tree decorators have created unique styles, which have continued to bring joy to the buyers for years to come. The Festivals of Trees is a community celebration designed to brighten the holiday season while brightening the futures of children in our community, organizers said. All funds go directly to children’s services.

To reserve your tickets now, contact Big Brother Big Sisters of Island County at 279-0644, or email bbbs@whidbey.net. Other Festival of Tree events include the Children’s Breakfast at the Elk’s Lodge in Oak Harbor at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 5, as well as the public tree and wreath viewing from 1 to 4 p.m.