Gingerbread houses, sparkling trees and Santa Claus ? favorite holiday traditions come together this weekend at the Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees.
The festival features hundreds of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses designed by local artists and businesses. All items are sold to benefit the research and educational programs at Kennedy Krieger.
Last year, the festival attracted more than 25,000 visitors and raised $750,000. Kennedy Krieger communications manager Elise Babbitt said that expectations are about the same this year. “Every year it gets bigger and better. We have more trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses than we?ve ever had on display, 400 total donated to be sold,” said Babbitt.
The proceeds from the event will be distributed throughout Kennedy Krieger. “The money goes to where the need is, which changes every year, but we make sure as much is going towards children?s care as possible,” Babbitt said.
Cathy Schreiner has been coordinating the event since 1991. “It just gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride that I can in some way help others,” Schreiner said.
As chair and volunteer scheduler, Schreiner has her hands full setting up for the event. “We schedule over 400 volunteers across 10 days and 25 shifts,” she said.
More than 100 crafts boutiques and shops will be set up for early Christmas shopping. Live entertainment, from dancing to music to comedy, will continue through the entire weekend. A giant toy train garden with model steam engine replicas travels more than 500 feet of railroad tracks.
“I think it really has become the kick-off to the holiday season. You come in and we have transformed the entire place into something that really fills you with holiday spirit,” Babbitt said. “And it only helps that all the money raised goes to a good cause. To come to something as fun and entertaining and beautiful as the festival and have it be for charity is great.”
Kennedy Krieger?s Festival of Trees
» Place: Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium.
» Times: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
» Cost: $5 to $10.
» Visit: www.festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org.
