Ticket sales have gone so well for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County’s Festival of Trees that the group has created a waiting list.
“It will be the largest attendance we’ve ever had in the history of the event,” Tamra Sipes, the organization’s president, said about the sold-out event.
That’s good news considering the 18th annual event is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County’s major annual fundraiser.
The auction and gala gets underway at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2 at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge. Although Seattle entertainer and professional celebrity auctioneer Fred Northrup, Jr., will be a big part of the evening, along with the formal dinner provided by chef Scott Fraser, the main attraction are the trees themselves.
Fourteen decorated and custom-themed Christmas trees, one 10 feet tall, will be up for bid, as well as four wreaths.
The trees came from Pacific Winds Farm in Oak Harbor.
“It’s going to be one of those wonderland events,” Sipe said.
Island Thrift is a major sponsor of the event.
Tickets are $100 to get on the wait list, something that hasn’t happened since the event’s early years, according to Julie Langrock, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County.
With the overwhelming community interest in attending the event, the organization is embracing the challenge of accommodating everyone for the special occasion, Langrock said.
Even those who don’t attend the auction and gala will have an opportunity to see the decorated and flocked Christmas trees during an open house at the Elks Lodge from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.
“It’s completely free,” Sipes said. “You can come walk through. Anything that Seattle has, we have and better as far as quality decorating of the trees.”
Also on Dec. 3 at the same venue is the Teddy Bear Breakfast with seatings at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Tickets are still available for that event, which is sponsored by Alaska USA Mortgage Company and also is a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 1-13.
To get on a waiting list for the Festival of Trees, call 360-279-0644.
Tickets for the Teddy Bear Breakfast can be purchased at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Oak Harbor office at 913 E. Whidbey Ave., or at Alaska USA Mortgage, 50 NE Midway Blvd, No. 1, Oak Harbor, or online at www.bbbsislandcounty.org.
