A golden ornament graces a branch on Dec. 3, 2022, at the Hermiston Festival of Trees. The 2023 event is Dec. 2-3 at the Hermiston Community Center. Also, Pendleton’s Festival of Trees is Saturday, Nov. 25 at the Pendleton Convention Center.

UMATILLA COUNTY — For decades, a pair of festive events in Pendleton and Hermiston have helped usher the holiday season in style. Each community is hosting its annual Festival of Trees.

PENDLETON

Presented by the CHI St. Anthony Hospital Foundation, Pendleton’s Festival of Trees is Saturday, Nov. 25 at the Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate. The event features Family Day and the Gala & Auction.

Admission is free for Family Day, which runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To get into the festive spirit, people can enjoy viewing all the intricately decorated trees. In addition, the event features arts and crafts activities, live performances by local groups and an opportunity to purchase gifts. Also, Santa Claus will be on hand for photo ops.

The gala event invites adults 21 and older to enjoy an elegant evening with a prime rib dinner, drinks, live music, dancing and an auction for holiday wreaths and decorated trees with an assortment of gifts. The doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner is served at 7 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person.

In a promotional video, June Mohrland, foundation board chair, said money raised during the event helps support the hospital’s mission of providing care to those it serves. In addition, the foundation is teaming up with Pioneer Humane Society/Pendleton Animal Welfare Shelter to present the 2023 event.

“It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season and support our community,” Mohrland said.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/3GIeu3G. For questions, call 541-278-2627.

HERMISTON

The Elegant Dinner & Auction for the Hermiston Festival of Trees is organized by the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation and the Hermiston Kiwanis Club. Family Day is coordinated by the Soroptimist International of the Greater Hermiston Area.

The evening gala is Saturday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m. at the Hermiston Community Center, 415 S. Highway 395. Tickets are $50 each. Although it’s sold out, call Hermiston Parks & Recreation at 541-667-5018 to be added to the waitlist.

The magnificently decorated trees will remain on display during Family Day on Sunday, Dec. 3, 12-3 p.m. The cost is $5 per family at the door.

After taking the reins in 2011, the Soroptimists have continued to offer an afternoon of holiday cheer. Club member Deniece Derbyshire said people look forward to all their favorite festive activities.

The event includes Christmas crafts, cookie decorating and pictures with Santa. Live entertainment features Jr. Jam Annex and the Hermiston High School music program.

HHS Pathway students will present a new Storytime Corner and concessions will be sold by the Stanfield Secondary School’s catering and tourism class. Also, Derbyshire said “Craft Bags” will be sold for home holiday fun.

“The goal is to bring families together,” Derbyshire said.

For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3ESvaE0. For questions, call the GSCHF at 541-667-3419 or email Derbyshire at dderb@charter.net.