2026 Festival of Trees and Holiday Decor
Designer Guidelines
2026 Festival of Trees and Holiday Decor
Designer Guidelines
- Deadline for an entry is Friday, November 20, 2026. We need all information by that date. This includes the 15-word description, name of item & suggested retail value. After that date, the space you require and the time needed to prepare the required paperwork may no longer be available.
- Non-tree entries may be artificial, natural, or live. We recommend artificial trees only.
- Setup times will be on: Tuesday December 1st from 3 - 6 pm
- Wednesday December 2nd from 5 - 8 pm
- Please plan your set-up time so that your item is finished within the designated 6 hours allowed.
- Your tree may be selected for placement in Hardy Hall. We are expanding to that area if necessary.
- Please be aware that your entry item may need to be moved from its original spot due to spacing or aesthetic issues. If this is necessary, we will be as careful as possible.
- Each entry’s designer will be clearly identified by signage placed by their entry.
- Each entry will be numbered and corresponds to a bid sheet. Bids will be accepted while the festival is open to the public. Each item will also have a minimum bid.
- You will be asked to fill out a “special instruction” information sheet at setup. This should include such things as operation of lights, special transport instructions, everything that is included with the entry, etc. If possible, please do not include items that will not be included in the auction. If you do, we cannot guarantee that it will be returned to you.
- If your entry item has lights they may be left on for the entire event.
- Successful bidders will be determined on Saturday December 5th at 8 pm.
- Winning bidders will be notified by text/phone. All items are to be picked up by 12:30 pm Sunday Dec 6th.
- There will be a People’s Choice Award. This is a public vote done with can goods- one can/item equals one vote. The winner is announced on Saturday night. All goods are donated to local food pantries. Because of setup space limitations, designers are asked NOT to bring any canned goods until Chamber Untapped or “open to the public hours” starting at 1:00pm on Friday.
- This year Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor winners will be chosen in five (5) categories by judges at the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce Untapped Event on Thursday Dec 3rd..
- There will be three categories for trees 4ft and up. They are:
- 1. Business/Commercial - 4 ft trees & up
2. Nonprofits 4 ft trees & up
3. Individuals. 4 ft trees & up
4. Table top trees - Less than 4 ft
5. Non-tree items - Each of these categories will be judged on a scale of 1 thru 10 points on each of these items - A. Originality B. Workmanship C. Eye Appeal D. Best use of Holiday theme.
- There will be a Winner & a Runner-Up in each of the five (5) categories. Total of ten (10) awards.
- If your tree does not receive a bid, we will honor your wishes as filled out on the Designer registration form. If not filled in, we will donate the item.
- This has been a very successful fundraiser event for worthy nonprofits in Manistee County. Because it is a charity fundraiser, we have decided not to make the winning bid amount public. We suggest that if you are interested in what your item made for charity, check out the bid sheet on Saturday night before the auction closes.
Lakeside Club appreciates our supportive community. We would not be as successful in helping great nonprofits in our area without you. THANK YOU for your support!
More information, questions, or to register online
Visit our website: www.lakesideclubmanistee.
or Email: [email protected] or Call Deb Green (906) 440-6770 Updated 2026