A party you’ll never fir-get

You simply need-le to see Tillamook’s Festival of Trees

While many might still have turkey dinners on their minds, the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum is gearing up for a tree-mendous time that you won’t want to miss.

The 21st annual Festival of Trees fund-raiser returns this December with an expanded schedule to allow even more people to enjoy the magic of the season. The festival includes four events: three free community celebrations beginning on Friday, Dec. 5, and the traditional Festival Fundraiser Gala and Silent Auction on Saturday, Dec. 6.

“We’re delighted to expand beyond our usual one-night event to create a month-long Christmas celebration to bring together our community and supporters,” said Museum Director Peyton Tracy.

To harness the festivity of the most wonderful time of the year, the museum will be decked and trimmed with Christmas decor including 12 trees sponsored by museum supporters.

“One big change coming this year is that we will still have our forest of Christmas trees, but they will not be for auction,” Tracy said. “Instead, we hope you will help us to sponsor and decorate full-sized and tabletop trees that will be displayed with your name and logo the entire month of December.”

Trees are still available, with two levels for sponsorship: use your own ornaments and decorate the tree, or have the museum decorate the tree for you.

A Fireside Chat will kick off the events on Friday, Dec. 5, at noon, with a second chat at 4 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 10. During this time, guests will have the opportunity to visit with museum staff and board members, as well as some of the museum’s valued community partner organizations. Visitors can get a sneak preview of upcoming exhibits and projects, as well as learn more about the important work the museum does to preserve and interpret Tillamook County’s cultural and natural heritage.

Next, come marvel at the festive forest during the Twinkling Trees Family Night on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 3 to 7 pm. The evening will correspond with the City of Tillamook’s Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and light parade festivities. The museum’s doors will be open and admission is free for visitors to enjoy the decorated trees, snap family photos and participate in a holiday scavenger hunt for kids.

Concluding the events is the Festive Fundraiser slated for Wednesday, Dec. 17. This year, the museum has added a Christmas Tea which will be hosted from 2 to 4 pm with light hors d’oeuvres and beverages, Christmas music and special silent auction items exclusively for afternoon guests. At 5 pm, the gala and additional silent auction will begin and continue until 8 pm with light dinner items, complimentary drinks and social time; all while surrounded by history and Christmas delights.

“There will be good food, good music and good friends brought together to support the museum during the holiday season,” Tracy said. “This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible community, far and wide. We are so grateful to be a part of a community that supports each other. With your help, we’re one step closer to meeting our mission of preserving and presenting Tillamook County history for all.”

If you wish to support the Museum’s Festival of Trees event, email Community Engagement Coordinator Chelsea Yarnell at chelsea@tcpm.org or visit the museum.

Tickets to the Festive Fundraiser are $40 and include admission to both the Christmas Tea and gala events. The Tillamook County Pioneer Museum is located at 2106 Second Street, Tillamook. For more information, go to tcpm.org or call ​503-842-4553.