Georgia Southern University Invites Area Artists, Businesses and Community Members to Donate and Decorate for the 5th Annual Festival of Trees

August 28, 2012

While fall is just beginning, the staff at Georgia Southern University’s Division of Continuing Education are already planning for the holidays.  Local artists, businesses and community members are being invited to participate in the University’s popular Festival of Trees set for Nov. 12-17 at the Nessmith-Lane Conference Center.

This year, the University is providing two ways for area artists and businesses to get involved.  Members of the community can either donate artificial trees ranging from three feet to seven feet and/or decorate an item to showcase in the popular event.  Items may include wreaths, gingerbread houses, and of course trees.  Designers and businesses may donate and decorate multiple items.

“We are excited to once again host this popular family event and it continues to grow,” said Kelly Pye, coordinator of the annual festival at Georgia Southern University.  “This has quickly become one of the more popular ways to kick off the holiday season in Statesboro.  We have such a talented group of artists and our businesses are very supportive.  This year will be bigger and better than ever.”

In addition to decorated trees and other items, the Festival of Trees event will feature local performers, vendors and even Santa.  The event also features a raffle where visitors can purchase tickets to win their favorite tree or other great items.  All proceeds from the raffle are used to support area children and families through Christmas in the Boro and Toys for Tots of Bulloch County.  There is no charge for admission to the event.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a tree or wreath for Festival of Trees may contact Kelly Pye, Continuing Education, at 912-478-7977 or atkpye@georgiasouthern.edu.  The deadline to sign up to decorate, donate or to become a vendor is Oct. 31, 2012.

All trees donated for raffle will not incur a display fee; however, if the item is fordisplay only, prices are as follows:

Large trees (7 feet and taller) – $100 fee for presentation only

Medium trees (4-6 feet) – $50 for display

Small Trees (3 feet or shorter) – $25

There is no charge for wreath presentations; however, they will only be available for raffle. Gingerbread houses will be for display only and will not be included in the raffle.

5^th Annual Festival of Trees Hours

Nov. 12-16, 2012   1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily

Nov. 17, 2012   11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Cost of Admission: Free of Charge

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 117 degree programs serving more than 20,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  In 2011, the University was named one of the Top 10 most popular universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report and is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.