The Pacific Communities Health District (PCHD) Foundation will open the Fifteenth Annual Festival of Trees on Dec. 5 with the Lighted Boat Parade on Yaquina Bay. This spectacular parade of decorated boats is open to the public and may be viewed from both shores of the bay.
The Festival continues Dec. 10 through the 13 at the Best Western Agate Beach Inn in Newport. This year’s theme, Miracles of Love, captures the spirit of the season as well as the Festival. Beautifully decorated trees, entertainment, visits with Santa, auctions, and special events all add to the festive environment.
This year’s proceeds will be used to purchase a central fetal monitoring system for the Birthing Center at Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital (SPCH). The system will allow Birthing Center medical staff to monitor the fetal heart rate of patients in their rooms from just about any area in the unit, including the nursing station, the operating room where C-sections are performed, and the staff break room. Physicians will be able to monitor the baby from home via computer. Installing this state-of-the-art system will improve patient care as well as attract nurses and physicians to our coastal hospital.
Plan to attend one or more events to help make miracles happen this holiday season. Events marked with * are by reservation only. Special events include:
- 1st Night Party, a private viewing for sponsors, media, tree decorators, and committee members - Thursday, Dec. 10, 6 to 9 p.m. (by invitation only)
- Holiday Celebration and Open House for seniors, friends, and family - Friday, Dec. 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- Festive Trivia Dinner Party - Friday, Dec. 11, 6 to 10 p.m.*
- Teddy Bear Picnic and visit from Santa at The Chalet Restaurant and Bakery - Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.*
- Gala and Auction - Saturday, Dec. 12, 5:30 to 10 p.m.*
- Family Fun Day and visit from Santa - Sunday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“The Festival would not exist if it weren’t for hundreds of community volunteers who make it happen,” said Ursula Marinelli, PCHD Foundation Executive Director. “We look forward to celebrating the season with the entire community.”
For information and reservations for all events, call the Festival Hotline at (541) 574-4864. For reservations to ride on the boats in the Lighted Boat Parade on Yaquina Bay, call Marine Discovery Tours at (541) 265-6200.