While many still have turkey dinners on the mind, the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum is gearing up for a tree-mendous time that you won’t want to miss.
The 21st annual Festival of Trees fundraiser returns this December with an expanded schedule to allow for even more people to enjoy the magic of the season. Festival of Trees includes four events: three, free community celebrations and the traditional Festival Fundraiser Gala and Silent Auction.
“We’re delighted to expand beyond our usual one-night event to create a month-long Christmas celebration to bring together our community and supporters,” Tillamook County Pioneer Museum Director Peyton Tracy said.
To harness the festivity of the most wonderful time of the year, the Museum will be decked and trimmed with Christmas décor including 12 Christmas trees graciously sponsored by Museum supporters.
“One big change coming this year is that we will still have our forest of Christmas trees, but they will not be for auction,” Tracy said. “Instead, we hope you will help us to sponsor and decorate full-sized and tabletop trees that will be displayed with your name and logo the entire month of December.”
A Fireside Chat will kick of the month on Friday, December 5 at noon. During this time, guests are invited to visit with Museum staff and board members, as well as some of the Museum’s valued community partner organizations. Visitors can get a sneak preview of upcoming exhibits and projects, as well as learn more about the important work the Museum does to preserve and interpret Tillamook County’s cultural and natural heritage. A second Fireside Chat will be hosted on Wednesday, December 10 at 4 pm. Fireside Chats are free and open to the public.
Then, come marvel at the festive forest during the Twinkling Trees Family Night on Saturday, December 6, from 3-7 pm. The evening will correspond with the City of Tillamook’s Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and light parade festivities. The Museum’s doors will be open and admission is free for visitors to enjoy the decorated trees, snap family photos, and participate in a kids’ holiday scavenger hunt.
Concluding the month is the Festive Fundraiser slated for Wednesday, December 17. This year, the Museum has added a Christmas Tea which will be hosted from 2-4 pm with light hors d’oeuvres and beverages, Christmas music, and special silent auction items exclusively for afternoon guests. Then at 5 pm, the Gala and additional silent auction will begin and go until 8 pm with light dinner items, complimentary drinks, and social time; all while surrounded by history and Christmas delights.
“There will be good food, good music, and good friends brought together to support the museum during the holiday season,” Tracy said. “This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible community, far and wide. We are so grateful to be a part of a community that supports each other.”
Tickets to the Festive Fundraiser are $40 a person and include admission to both the Christmas Tea and Gala events. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.tcpm.org/festival-of-trees.html or in person at the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum.
“With your help, we’re one step closer to meeting our mission of preserving and presenting Tillamook County history for all,” Tracy said.
Silent auction contributions, sponsorships, and monetary donations are accepted to support the Museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year. If you wish to support the Museum’s Festival of Trees event, email Community Engagement Coordinator Chelsea Yarnell at chelsea@tcpm.org or visit the Museum at 2106 Second Street in Tillamook.