Festival of Trees Highlights Creativity, Volunteerism, Leadership
The holidays will be here early, thanks to the Junior League of the Space Coast, which is hosting its much-loved annual Festival of Trees on Nov. 4. Even Ebenezer Scrooge could not help but get into the holiday mood with the splendor of elaborately decorated trees and wreaths.
“The level of intricacy in the decorations is awesome,” said Melanie Tucciarone, donor development chair for Junior League.
The tree designers, who all donate their time, talent and treasure to the event, unleash a tsunami of creativity that last year included a theme of “God Save the Queen,” in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II of England.
“The ornaments were incredibly detailed, there was a cup of tea that looked like it was floating, and the skirt was a replica of the queen’s coronation robe,” Tucciarone explained.
Last year, the Festival of Trees featured 22 designer trees ranging in height from 6-8 feet, 23 tabletop trees and 17 wreaths — numbers that are expected to be in the same range for this year’s 39th annual event. The 2022 trees, wreaths and silent auction items raised more than $26,000, funds that the League channels into social activism-focused projects that directly benefit the local community.
The group’s goals align with the Association of Junior Leagues International’s strategic impact areas of improving health outcomes and disparities, eradicating food insecurity and benefiting the community on a granular level.
“All our projects are local and focused on women and families,” Tucciarone said.
“Every ticket sold, every beautifully decorated tree, and every joyful moment at the festival enable the Junior League of the Space Coast to continue our impact work in empowering and improving Brevard County through volunteerism and leadership development,” said president Stephanie Knigge.
For a novel take on the advent calendar, last year’s beautifully adorned “Countdown to Christmas” tree featured 12 boxes attached to the tree.
“Each box had a gift inside to be opened counting down the 12 days till Christmas,” Tucciarone said.
One fortunate Harry Potter fan placed the winning bid on the 8-foot “Hogwarts in the Snow” tree, adorned with items such as Harry’s glasses, brooms and other Potter memorabilia. The smaller tabletop trees are equally as clever, with themes such as “Tree Rex” and “I Believe in Santa Paws.”
A sneak peek at 2023 tree themes reveal “All is Calm,” a 7½-foot flocked tree designed by Carmen Dick of Soho Interior Design, as well as several tabletop beauties by community stylist Beachside x Kendra Scott.
All trees and wreaths will be auctioned through online bidding. Sorensen Moving & Storage will deliver the floor-size designer trees — safely wrapped — to winning bidders on Sunday, Nov. 5, at no cost. Tabletop/non-designer trees and wreaths can also be wrapped at the winner's request but will not be delivered.
The Festival of Trees also includes a vendor village populated by unique artisans and craftsmen, including 2 Crafty Cats, Wreaths by Jen, Beachside x Kendra Scott, Dave’s Wooden Treasures and planet-friendly sewn gifts from Wendy Barnes Designs.
Things are cooking up at the event, given that the festival includes “Cooking with Mrs. Claus, 30-minute holiday hands-on classes hosted by Mrs. Claus herself. The free classes, aimed at kids ages 5 to 12, showcase eating smart and making healthy lifestyle choices, even during the holidays.
For a suggested minimum donation of $30 until Nov. 3 ($35 on day of event), families can also enjoy “Pictures with Santa,” which include two admission tickets to the festival and three to five photos via email.
It all translates into giving back to the community.
Through its Fueling Families initiative, the efforts of the League’s 41 members and 88 sustaining members last year provided about 2,000 pounds of dry goods and 600 pounds of produce to students at Sabal Elementary School, Christa McAuliffe Elementary School and the South Alternative Learning Center.
In 2022, the League also introduced the South Alternative Learning Center’s Garden Pilot Program, which raises student awareness of where food comes from and educates children on the importance of healthy eating. Decorated trees made it possible.
If You Go
The Festival of Trees
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov., 4,
Wickham Park Community Center, 2815 Leisure Way, Melbourne
A donation of a minimum $5 is suggested for attendees over 12 years old. Children 12 and younger are admitted free.
Skip the line and get tickets at facebook.com/events/235209615544935.
To purchase Pictures with Santa tickets, visit spacecoast.jl.org/festival-of-trees, where information is also available on registering as a vendor and on donating trees and raffle items.
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