2025 Festival of Trees
Designer Guidelines
2025 Festival of Trees
Designer Guidelines
- Deadline for an entry is November 21, 2025. 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 time needed to prepare the necessary paperwork may not be available.
- Non-tree entries may be artificial, natural or live. We recommend artificial trees only.
- Setup times will be on: Tuesday December 2nd from 3 - 6 pm
- Please plan your set-up time so that your item is finished within the designated 6 hours allowed.
- Your tree may be selected to be placed in Hardy Hall this year. We are expanding to that area again this year.
- Please be aware your entry item may have to be moved from your original spot due to spacing and/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 with a corresponding bid sheet. Bids will be accepted during the time the festival is open to the public. Each item will also have a minimum bid to start .
- 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 your entry item has lights they may be left on for the entire event.
- Successful bidders will be determined on Saturday December 6th at 8 pm.
- Winning bidders will be notified by text/phone. All items are to be picked up by 12:30 pm Sunday Dec 7th.
- There will be a People’s Choice Award. This is a public vote done with can goods- one can equals one vote. Winners are announced on Saturday night. Goods donated to local food pantries. Because of setup space limitations, canned goods donations will only be accepted during Chamber Untapped and open to the public hours. Please bring your canned goods at those time ONLY.
- This year's 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, December 4th.
- There will be three categories for trees 4ft and up. They are:
- There will be a 3’ or less tabletop tree award
- There will be a Best Wreath or Non-Tree item award
- 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 to not make any 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.
More information, questions, or to register online
Visit our website: www.lakesideclubmanistee.org,
email: [email protected],
or Call Deb Green (906) 440-6770 Updated 6-24-2025