For Immediate Release

October 12, 2023

Contact: Shirley Madden

gspmadden@gmail.comfe

313-478-5347

Lakeside Club of Manistee Presents

2023 Festival of Trees

Michigan carries the banner for the Winter Wonderland State and Manistee carries the banner for the Victorian Sleighbell Parade and the Old Christmas Weekend. This is the perfect time to see the City of Manistee draped in its finery as we celebrate the Holiday. Even though the temperatures may be chilly, you don’t want to miss the warmth and cheer as the city opens its arms to give you a weekend of holiday hugs and happiness. This year, December 1st and 2nd are the days to participate and celebrate in all the festivities.

The Lakeside Club is presenting the FESTIVAL OF TREES and Holiday Décor on Friday, December 1st and Saturday, December 2nd. The Lakeside Club has been in existence since September 30, 1885 through the efforts of Emma Sayre Wheeler and Mrs. Fairfield. They wanted to build a library and since that time, the funds from the Lakeside Club has gone to support the Manistee County Library and also the Manistee Museum. This year, all proceeds from FESTIVAL OF TREES and Holiday Décor will go to the Great Lakes Environmental Festival (GLEF), Staircase Youth Service and the Lakeside Club of Manistee Co. Scholarship for Service Award for female High School Seniors in Manistee County.

The FESTIVAL OF TREES has been a mainstay in Manistee. Rogene and Mike Fischer started it in 1997. Come, view and bid on creatively decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, gift baskets and other seasonal décor designed by local holiday enthusiasts. There is so much to gain for a donation of $1.00. “Buy it now” options are available. Bring unwrapped toys for Five CAP’s “Toys for Tots/Gifts for Teens.” Bring canned goods to vote for your favorite entry for the “People’s Choice” award. Canned goods will be donated to a local food pantry. The trees will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The bidding closes at 8:00 pm on Saturday, Dec. 2nd.

The Holiday event kicks off on the evening of Thursday, November 30th as part of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored event. There is a separate admission charge to attend. For more information visit www.manisteechamber.com.

The FESTIVAL OF TREES and Holiday Décor is located in the Ramsdell Ballroom at 101 Maple St. and opens to the public on Friday, Dec. 1st from 1:00 – 6:00pm and on Saturday, Dec. 2nd from 11:00 – 8:00pm. Only, the winning bidders will be able to pick up their items on Saturday, Dec. 2nd from 8:30pm - 9:30pm or Sunday, Dec. 3rd from 10:30am – 12:30pm.

If you are interested in decorating a tree, wreath, or making a Holiday masterpiece, in the name of your business and/or organization, call Deb Green at (906)-440-6770.

Come One, Come All and Come early to fill your Holiday stockings with an abundance of joy, cheers and happiness as you participate in the Lakeside Club’s FESTIVAL OF TREES and Holiday Décor.

For more information visit our website: www.lakesideclubmanistee.org.
Email: festivaloftreeslakeside@gmail.com
Or call Deb Green (906-440-6770)