The holidays are just around the corner and the Museum's Elfs have been busy preparing for the return of the Festival of Trees.
Over 125 wreaths, stockings and designer trees in all shapes and sizes will be showcased at the 2017 Festival of Trees "Walk Through Winter Wonderland" on Saturday, November 25, from 10 to 4 at the Florence Events Center. Produced by Cindy Wobbe and Lynn Malaspino-Badel, this year's festival has been expanded to include 80 holiday themed wreaths, a large variety of hand-made stockings, and a special section of festively decorated table-top trees available for immediate purchase. Lynn Malaspino-Badel, who has spearheaded the design team over the last 2 months and decorated many of the wreaths and trees herself, says this year's festival will be the largest held to date. "We've added so much this year! In addition to the larger, exquisitely designed trees that will be sold at Sunday's auction, our volunteers have created a wonderful collection of both classic and whimsical wreaths as well as smaller, pre-lit artificial trees that are perfect for smaller spaces and can be purchased and taken home for instant holiday cheer! There will also be a Silent Auction table featuring a variety of items donated by local businesses. New to this year's event is a visit from Santa and Dasher and Dancer, Florence's own hound-deer, courtesy of Bellingham Bassets Northwest and Florence Houndfull. Families with children are invited to visit with Santa and get their photo taken. Pavilion Catering will be on hand to offer hot cocoa and holiday treats throughout the day. Cindy Wobbe, the Festival's co-chair, says this year's expanded event focuses on creating a festive, family-oriented experience that will appeal to kids and the young-at-heart. "Admission is free, there's plenty of parking at the FEC, and its easily accessible for everyone!"
Sunday's fourth annual "Gala of Giving" , a ticket-only dinner and auction, will feature live music provided by pianist Jake Landers and a special presentation by Michael Pungecar, founder of the South Willamette Honor Flight. The well-known dad and daughter duo of Bob and Kady Sneddon will host and auction 10 live trees sponsored by local businesses and decorated by individual designers. All of the proceeds from the Festival of Trees will go to support the Oregon Coast Military Museum. Tickets are $40 per person and available for purchase at Beach House Gifts, Cindy Wobbe Estates, and the museum gift shop located at 2145 Kingwood. If you haven't visited the Museum recently, I encourage you to do so and enjoy the current Veteran of the Quarter, our very own Volunteer Bill Brown, a WWII USCG Veteran. I had the pleasure of him riding with me in the Veterans Day Parade and he is a great guy! Earlier this year we received the donation of an Addressograph machine, Graphotype Class 6400 which punches out vintage military dog tags. Unfortunately it is not functioning correctly and we are seeking help from anyone who might have knowledge of this machine. Please contact us if you do - and you can get your own dog tag! See you soon - Thanks! Cal Applebee Executive Director
