Pendleton Festival of Trees changes its date

By on Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – The St. Anthony Hospital Festival of Trees is changing its date. The traditional event will be on Nov. 25, the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Pendleton Convention Center. It will feature both the free Family Day and Festival of Trees Gala. 

Family day will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the convention center, and is free to attend. There will be food available for purchase in Rudolph’s Café, as well as free arts & crafts and a free photo booth. Attendees will be able to view and bid on beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths, as well as purchase mystery gifts for kids and adults or raffle tickets to win a large tree with lots of toys.

That evening, the convention center will transform into a winter wonderland for the Festival of Trees Gala. The doors will open at 6 p.m., with a plated prime rib dinner served at 7 p.m. There will be complimentary beer and wine, and other drinks available for purchase. The gala features live music, games, mystery gifts, and dancing.

“We are so excited for the Festival of Trees this year, and hope people will join us right after Thanksgiving to kick off the Christmas season with their family and friends,” St. Anthony Hospital Foundation Director Emily Smith said. “If you have family in town for Thanksgiving, bring them to the gala and show them a little bit of what makes Pendleton so special!”

Trees and wreaths will be sold via virtual auction so you can bid from the event or from home, and large trees are delivered for free to Pendleton and surrounding areas.

“This year, we are excited to partner with PAWS animal shelter in Pendleton,” Smith said. “PAWS works hard in our community to ensure safe and happy placement for dogs and cats without homes, and a portion of the proceeds from the Festival of Trees will go to their organization. PAWS volunteers will also help at the event, and we are excited to work with them.”

Gala tickets are on sale now for $60 per person, and available at https://www.sahpendleton.org/en/foundation/winterfest.html. Tickets are limited so advance purchase is highly recommended. For more information, visit the website or call 541-278-2627.

File photo via St. Anthony Hospital Festival of Trees