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Chetola Resort Hosts WYN’s Festival of Trees Fundraiser Nov. 30 to Dec. 3

Excitement is stirring at Chetola Resort as final preparations for the WYN Festival of Trees are made for this magical event scheduled for Thursday, November 30 through Sunday, December 3.  Christmas trees are being brought in, ready for designers to decorate with lights, beautiful ornaments, gifts, and tempting treasures.  Festival guests can browse and bid full size and small trees, wreaths, and a couple of mantle displays, with proceeds benefitting the programs of the Western Youth Network.
 
“This is the third year of the festival, and we’re so excited to see how it has grown,” said Julia Roberts, Director of Development and Operations at WYN.  “It is a critical fundraiser for our program.”  The Western Youth Network serves children and youth, striving to build a stronger community for the High Country through after school programs, mentoring, substance abuse prevention efforts, and summer camps.  
 
The Festival of Trees coincides with Chetola Resort’s annual Festival of Lights around the lake, creating a fun holiday atmosphere.  Inside, trees are decorated with themes such as “Spa and Wellness,” “Christmas at Grandfather Mountain,” “Restaurants of the High Country,” “Trucks and Trains,” and more.  There is something for everyone, with gift certificates for many attractions, adventures, and businesses in the High Country ranging from golf courses to climbing gyms, sports tickets to art.  All trees are sold complete with lights, tree stands, and ornaments, and can be wrapped to transport fully decorated.
 
Bidding for the trees and wreaths is done online, so that visitors can monitor the status of their bids until the close of the auction on Sunday.  If unable to attend the festival, people can still browse the offerings and bid on the website, www.32auctions.com/fot.
 
“We are so grateful to the Watauga County Christmas Tree Association,” mentioned Roberts.  “They gather trees from farms all over our area and donate them for the Festival.”
 
“Chetola Resort has also been a great partner since the event’s inaugural year,” she added.  “None of this would be possible without our wonderful sponsors.”  
 
The festival kicks off on Thursday night at Chetola’s Blue Ridge Room, with a special reception for tree designers and sponsors.  Friday, December 1, the festival is open to the general public from noon – 9pm,  Saturday 10am – 8pm, and Sunday 10am – 2pm.  More information can be found on the Festival website, wynfestivaloftrees.com.
This year’s tree designers include entries from Blowing Rock Victorian Inn, Boone Drug, Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, Appalachian Ski Mountain, The Mustard Seed, and many more.
Floral arrangements, kitchen gadgets, gourmet coffee, toys, and gift certificates for hotel stays and restaurant meals are among the gifts that will be found under the trees.
Large trees, small trees, wreaths and mantle arrangements will be auctioned off at the Festival to raise money for the Western Youth Network.
The “Wynter Wonderland” cookie by the Appalachia Cookie Company will be launched at the Festival of Trees.