Festival of Trees Combines Artistry With Christmas Season | Arts & Culture

LINCOLNTON - The Arts Council of Lincoln County presents the 2012 Festival of Trees, an event which combines artistry with the Christmas season in many creative and beautiful ways.

Proceeds from the event support local art programs, such as summer art camps for Lincoln county children.

This is the second annual Festival of Trees, and organizers say it is even bigger and better this year.

In addition to the glittering grove of 112  artistically arrayed Christmas trees, decorated by county businesses and organizations, there will be a silent art auction, live musical performances by local talent, "Celebrity Santas," a kid's pajama night, a canned food drive for Christian Ministries, a local artist market, a Christmas coffee house and a homemade cookie sale.

Visitors will also enjoy trees decorated by Lincoln County students, the colorful and creative entries of the gingerbread house contest and a dazzling display of tabletops trimmed up for the holidays. Patrons are encouraged to vote for their favorite Lincoln County school tree. The winning school will be awarded with art supplies.

Horse drawn carriage rides will be offered on the grounds of the festival which is being held at the former Carolina's Medical Center at 200 Gamble Drive in Lincolnton.

Dec. 21 is Kids Pajama Night, when children ages 12 and under will be admitted free if they come "dressed" in their pajamas.

Sunday visitors are encouraged to bring canned food to benefit the food drive for Christian Ministries of Lincolnton.

The 2012 Festival of Trees, sponsored by First Federal Savings Bank, runs Fridays and Saturdays ending December 23,  from 5 to 8:30 p.m., and 2 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Admision to the Festival of Trees is $5 for adults and $2 for children and seniors.  

For more information, call Kae B Wright   (704) 732-9044