Tis the season – well, almost – and what would the season be without a Christmas tree?
For those who have a little Ebenezer Scrooge lurking in them and still respond with a none-too-veiled ‘Bah, humbug’ when confronted with Christmas decorations, the upcoming Festival of Trees might be just the tonic.
The festival, which serves as the signature fundraising event for the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, will illustrate that the sky is the limit when it comes to Christmas tree decoration, for the difference between a bit of tinsel and a little star and what is possible with a touch of inspiration is vast.
According to Melissa Wolfe of the CCMI, the inspiration for the festival came from North America.
‘Just about every major city has their version of the Festival of Trees,’ says Wolfe.
‘Most of them are fundraisers for local non-profit organizations. I’ve seen everything from hundreds of displayed trees open to an entire city for an entry fee, to an intimate black-tie gala.’
The organisers have created their own interpretation of the event in order to involve the community as well as retailers and merchants.
Although the idea of using Christmas trees to raise funds for marine research and conservation may seem somewhat strange, it actually makes a lot of sense.
Forests of coral populate the oceans surrounding the Cayman Islands in the same way forests of trees cover the land. The riot of colour and shape that characterises coral is also reflected in the decorative beauty of the Christmas trees.
‘Christmas is a very special time of year and enjoying the beauty of decor is something the Cayman Islands’ residents are attracted to; one only has to see the outdoor lights to appreciate that,’ says Wolfe.
‘This year is our fourth annual event and every year the Festival of Trees grows in support, participation and popularity.’
The growth of the event has necessitated its expansion from a on- day event to a five day festival and has also seen a number of new sponsors and venues come on board.
A stalwart supporter such as Ristorante Pappagallo, which has been hosting the dinner and live auction since the inception of the event, also makes a welcome return. New sponsors include Abacus Restaurant, Camana Bay, Celebrations and Uncle Bill’s.
The festival kicked off Monday with Celebrations presenting ‘The Art of Stylish Christmas Décor’ at Camana Bay.
The second day of the festival will see a by invitation only VIP Prevue party hosted at Abacus Restaurant in Camana Bay and will include the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the festival.
The majority of the trees that will be decorated for the event has been donated by Uncle Bill’s, with the decorating done by a group of 25 enthusiastic volunteers.
Wednesday will see the festival open with the public invited to view the trees and wreaths from 6pm to 10pm on Wednesday and Thursday. The trees will line the walkway at Camana Bay, and should provide a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely evening stroll.
The festival will reach its climax on Friday with the traditional dinner and live auction at Ristorante Pappagallo. This event has been the core of the Festival of Trees over the years, with a champagne reception and four course meal setting the scene for the live auction of the decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. Yet these trees and wreaths are not just beautifully decorated, but also come to the party bearing gifts. Sponsors adorn the trees with gifts and services, guaranteeing that the winning bidder will have a very merry Christmas indeed.
Sponsors of the trees include Cayman Free Press, International Design Group, Uncle Bill’s, Celebrations, Luxe Life, dms Management, The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, Walker Family, Vigoro Nursery, Fitness Connection and Book Nook.
Tickets for the dinner and auction are available for $125, but with the 180 tickets very nearly sold out anyone still interested in attending should contact 949-1938 or [email protected] without delay.
Over the years, the event has also generated more than its fair share of lighter moments.
In 2007, Camana Bay donated a live Sea Grape tree to be decorated and when it arrived at the home where the volunteers were decorating, the owner had it planted in the corner of the garden. Once the decoration was done and the time had come for the auction, it was dug up and delivered to Ristorante Pappagallo where the dinner and auction took place.
According to Wolfe, her favourite memory dates from two years ago.
‘John Doak generously donated a drawing of a dream home, but it was meant to be a hand drawing – many may not know that John is a gifted artist. While he stepped out, his lovely and brilliant wife Jackie volunteered him into donating a full set of architectural house plans. We continue to thank them both as it raised the most money that night!’ laughs Wolfe.
Proceeds from the event will assist the CCMI as it strives to protect Cayman’s marine environment through education and research.
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