Festival of Trees Kicks Off the Season at Grand Boulevard Nov. 24

It's a festive time of year in SoWal! Grand Boulevard’s sixth annual Festival of Trees will showcase 12 uniquely decorated Christmas trees from area non-profit organizations, Nov. 24 – Dec. 25 in Grand Park. Everyone's invited to join the fun and vote for their favorite tree! The winning charity will take home $2500 in prize money to help fulfill their mission.            

The public is invited to attend the kick-off on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., as the trees are lighted, judged on their decorations and winners are announced at 6 p.m.  A People’s Choice winner will be selected by the voting public that night as well. Refreshments will be served, making this a fun kickoff to the holidays for the entire family.

 
This year’s participating organizations are: Building Homes for Heroes, Emerald Coast Relay for Life, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Children in Crisis, Junior League of the Emerald Coast, Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Alaqua Animal Refuge, The ARC of Walton County, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Heart Animal Rescue and Horizons.
 
The non-profit organizations are competing to win cash prizes totaling $7,000, including Best of Show and People’s Choice. The People’s Choice winner will be voted on and announced along with Best of Show, Second and Third Place winners at the kick-off, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. For the People’s Choice Award, the public will vote for their favorite tree at Grand Park and the tree with the most votes will win.
 
Last year, Building Homes for Heroes won Best of Show, taking home $2,000. This year’s Best of Show purse is $2,500, Second Place is $1,500, Third Place is $1,000 and People’s Choice winner receives $2,000.
 
The trees will be on display through Christmas and open to the public to enjoy at no cost. This free event is presented as part of the Coastal Culture calendar of events, made possible by Grand Boulevard Arts & Entertainment Program.         

Homes for Heroes won Best of Show at the 2014 Festival of Trees, held annually in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. The 2015 kickoff is Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 4 p.m. in Grand Park and the event runs through Christmas. Festival of Trees is free and open to the public.

Grand Boulevard offers an energetic town center with convenient access to many outstanding shopping and dining options along with a state-of-the-art Carmike Cinemas Boulevard 10 for entertainment. The destination includes professional services, corporate offices and lodging. For more information visit the website at www.grandboulevard.com. Stay up to date on new and exciting shops and events coming to Grand Boulevard at Facebook.com/GrandBoulevard.