2010 Festival of Trees
The Pacific Communities Health Foundation plans to open the 16th Annual Festival of Trees on Dec. 4 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. 8 to 12 at the Best Western Agate Beach Inn in Newport. This year’s theme, “Cooking up Wellness,” captures the heart of our efforts to promote prevention and healthy living through smart food choices and preparation. 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 create a healthy kitchen in the future Center for Health Education adjacent to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital. The healthy kitchen is being created in response to the rise in obesity among adults and children and its resulting illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. Recent studies show that 27 percent of adults and 44 percent of children in Lincoln County are considered obese. This kitchen will be a place for community members to come together and experience hands-on cooking instruction so they can make healthy food choices. It will be a place to create real and lasting lifestyle changes.
“This year, we are addressing an issue that affects everyone,” said Ursula Marinelli, executive director of the Pacific Communities Health District Foundation. “We all know the importance of healthy eating. The center can give us a focal point – a place to actualize our communities’ efforts to prevent disease and promote wellness through healthy eating.”
Plan to attend one or more events to help cook up wellness in our community 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 - Wednesday, Dec. 8, 6 to 9 p.m. (by invitation only)
- Recipe for Wellness Luncheon, featuring Pampered Chef - Thursday, Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Newport Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours for members and their guests – Thursday, Dec. 9, 5:15 to 7 p.m.
- Holiday Celebration and Open House for seniors, friends and family - Friday, Dec. 10, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- EXTREME Trivia Dinner Party- Friday, Dec. 10, 6 to 10 p.m.*
- Teddy Bear Picnic and visit from Santa at The Chalet Restaurant and Bakery - Saturday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m.*
- Gala and Auction - Saturday, Dec. 11, 5 to 10 p.m.*
- Family Fun Day and visit from Santa - Sunday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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.
Download the Festival of Trees master schedule.
Download the Festival of Trees sponsorship form.
Download the Festival of Trees tree decorator form.