Rhonda Raymond of Port Angeles adjusts the top of a tree called “Victorian Charm” as she and dozens of other designers make last minute adjustments for the Festival of Trees in the Vern Burton Community Center this weekend. Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News

Rhonda Raymond of Port Angeles adjusts the top of a tree called “Victorian Charm” as she and dozens of other designers make last minute adjustments for the Festival of Trees in the Vern Burton Community Center this weekend. Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News

WEEKEND: Festival of Trees opens today

NOTE: “Today” and “tonight” refer to Friday, Nov. 29.

PORT ANGELES — Festooned with ornaments and swathed in lights, 58 holiday trees are ready for the Festival of Trees today through Sunday at the Vern Burton Community Center.

Now in its 23rd year, the annual event is a three-day fundraiser for the Olympic Medical Center Foundation and the Port Angeles Exchange Club.

The elegantly decorated trees — each of which comes with a wealth of presents, or premiums — will be auctioned off at theFestival of Trees Gala and Auction tonight.

Gala tonight

Those attending tonight’s $95 gala, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at the community center at 308 E. Fourth St., also will dine on a buffet meal, dance to live music and participate in a silent auction.

During Family Days on Saturday and Sunday, the trees, along with some 50 decorated wreaths, will be on view from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $5 admission, with children younger than 8 admitted free.

Along with strolling through the glitter and lights of the decorations by volunteer designers, visitors will find musical entertainment, a puppet show, crafts, games and photos with Santa, as well as a raffle.

A Family Days Breakfast is planned at 8 a.m. Saturday at the community center.

Tickets to the sit-down breakfast are $12 for adults and $6 for children. A limited number will be available at the door.

During the day Saturday, an All-Class Port Angeles High School Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the high school gym at 304 E. Park Ave. Pre-registration is needed to play. The fee is $10.

That night, some of those who compete are expected at the Port Angeles High School all-class reunion at the community center.

Home for the Holidays will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets will be $20 at the door for those who did not compete in the basketball tournament.

Tickets to the Teddy Bear Teas today sold out the first weekend they went on sale.

Tickets are available at the OMC Foundation office at 928 Caroline St. or by phoning the office at 360-417-7144.

The full festival schedule, with events at the community center unless otherwise specified:

Today

■ Teddy Bear Tea — 10 a.m. and noon. Sold out.

■ Festival of Trees Gala — 5:30 p.m., $95.

Saturday

■ Family Days Breakfast — 8 a.m., $12 for adults and $6 for children.

■ All-Class Port Angeles High School Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., high school gym at 304 E. Park Ave.

■ Family Days — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $5 each, with children younger than 8 admitted free. Tickets are available at the door.

■ “Home for the Holidays” — 8 p.m., $20 at the door.

Sunday

■ Family Days — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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