Festival of Trees 2011

McCook Daily Gazette, Schmick's Market, and a number of McCook businesses and organizations have teamed up to provide a "Season of Giving" event in McCook this holiday season. A festival of beautifully decorated Christmas trees will be on display on the second floor of the Keystone Business Center beginning November 25th. The public is invited to come in and see the trees during regular business hours through December 16. The 18 trees on display have been decorated by some of the most creative talent in the area. Some of the trees are elegant and sophisticated, others are cute and whimsical. There are white trees and green trees; in a variety of heights. Each tree has been designated to benefit a non-profit organization serving the area. The trees will be auctioned, using both a silent auction and a live auction format, and all proceeds from the sale will go to each tree's designated non-profit organization. On December 17, a select handful of the trees will be auctioned live at the annual Schmick's Market wine tasting event. Forms to place bids for the silent auction will be available at the Keystone throughout the public viewing, as well as at the wine-tasting on December 17. As part of the event, the Gazette is asking readers and visitors to choose their favorite tree. The tree chosen as "Reader's Choice" will not only receive the auction proceeds from their decorated tree, but they will also receive the proceeds from the Gazette's tree. Beginning Monday, the Gazette will feature photos and stories of each tree both in the newspaper and online at www.mccookgazette.com. Readers will be able to read descriptions of the decorations, see photos of the trees, and learn about the non-profit organizations that will benefit from the sale. Votes for the "Reader's Choice" Award can be placed in the ballot box at the Keystone, as well as being accepted online.