Although not well-known for its towering forests, McKinney can soon claim the best and brightest evergreen extravaganza during the fourth annual Festival of Trees. Held inside the McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC), McKinney’s splendid version of a glittery winter wonderland will return to the historic square this November in conjunction with the city’s Dickens of a Christmas festival.

Festival of Trees organizers and participants are excited to be returning to the downtown location. After one year at Stonebridge Ranch Country Club, Festival of Trees will again be centrally located on the historic McKinney square, and as part of the Dickens holiday festivities, will be enjoyed by Metroplex residents as well as tourists from around the country.

As the main fundraiser for Project Graduation, Festival of Trees has been instrumental in helping seniors celebrate their high school graduation safely and alcohol-free. Approximately 1100 seniors (of a total 1200) and 300 guests participated in the game-and music-filled Project Graduation last year -- a record turnout. Students took home $35,000 in cash prizes and over $85,000 in food, coupons, shirts and many other prizes, including the grand prize, a car donated by Nissan of McKinney.

Festival of Trees spans three days and features over-the-top holiday décor and exquisite gifts made by local citizens. Everyone is encouraged to participate; this is not a decorator-only or by-invitation-only event. Local businesses, churches, school organizations and individuals are encouraged to choose a theme for their entries and sign up early to decorate, donate items and attend the Preview Gala and Silent Auction.

Trees of all sizes, from 2 ft. to 9 ft. tall, lavish wreaths, creative holiday centerpieces, gingerbread houses sugary enough to tempt Hansel and Gretel, and many other types of gift items will be for sale during the Preview Gala and Silent Auction. All items will be on display over the weekend at MPAC at 111 North Tennessee.

Tree themes in the past have included an ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ tree, honoring our military; ‘Grandma’s Kitchen’ featuring vintage cooking utensils; and a ‘Candy Tree’ with every imaginable sweet confection hanging from its boughs. Wreaths have burst with feathers, disco balls, Texas-size pine cones and vintage glitter glass ornaments.

Gingerbread made to mimic a rustic campsite, or elaborate gingerbread Victorian ‘painted ladies’, have tempted festival-goers of all ages. Dozens of smaller tabletop trees decorated in ballerina pink, animal prints, Minnie Mouse polka-dot, Tuscan wine connoisseur and even Popeye’s personal watercraft offer something for every home and decorating style.

New items at this year’s event include hand-painted holiday ornaments by well-known local artists and other one-of-a-kind gifts created especially for this event by area artisans.

Open House will be Friday, Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 29 from noon - 4 p.m. at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open House tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for children under 10.

The Preview Gala and Silent Auction will be Friday, Nov. 27 at 7:00 p.m. Gala tickets are available to the public at $30 each or 2 for $50. Door prizes will be awarded during the Gala. All items are bid on and purchased at the Friday night Silent Auction during the Gala, and for the weekend, items remain on display for public oooh-ing and ahhh-ing.

All proceeds go to McKinney Project Graduation. For Gala reservations, to sign up to decorate a tree, wreath or centerpiece, or to donate items for the auction, email projectgraduation@att.net. For more information, visit projectgraduationmckinney.com and mckinneyperformingartscenter.org.

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