The Cashiers Festival of Trees on Nov. 29-30 will once again feature beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, décor items, gift baskets, children’s crafts, a photo booth, and festive activities for all ages. Designs will be displayed for visual enjoyment, as well as for purchase by shopping and silent auction. A glimpse of our 2024 event:
O.P. Taylor’s Teddy Bear Workshop – Sponsored by Design South Builders
We are BEAR-y excited to announce our new partner for this year’s Pop-up Teddy Bear Workshop: O. P. Taylor’s–your favorite toy store from Brevard! Join us for a variety of cuddly companions, outfits, accessories, onsite stuffing, and builder belts from our sponsor, Design South Builders.
Gift Zone and Vendor Village – Sponsored by Sweetwater Builders
Each year, our selection of gifts and vendors grows! From ornament sets to festive tea towels, kitchenware and fresh wreaths, you’ll find the perfect gift for a friend or even yourself! Additionally, this year’s vendors include: beautiful embroidery collections from Webster Workshop, stunning glass-blown and blacksmith creations from Jackson County Green Energy Park, healthy snacks from Health Nuts Market, small-batch luxury artisan chocolate from Indigenous Chocolate, captivating prints and original art by Hannah Beimborn, and jewelry from Isabelle Ambrose Jewelry, A Jones Company, and Welded Waves. New this year is our Wreath Bar! Choose from a selection of wreaths and personalize your masterpiece with an array of bows by Drew English, ornaments, and decorative accents.
Auction Sneak Peek
From trees to fun-filled gift baskets and unique experiences, there is something for the young and the young at heart. A sampling of what’s to come:
- Trees designed in honor of and benefiting organizations involved in Hurricane Helene relief efforts, including the Cashiers Glenville Volunteer Fire Department, Glenville Cashiers Rescue Squad, Cajun Navy, Samaritan’s Purse, and the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust.
- “Twelve Days of Christmas” tree designed by Spruce Interiors, the “Merry Swiftmas” tree by Sarah Jennings, a “Boughs & Blooms” tree by The Designer’s Market, and “Tidings of Mentorship: Building Big Futures, One Little at a Time” tree duo by Big Brothers Big Sisters.
- A holiday-themed drummer boy tree featuring a Gibson Les Paul electric guitar and a drum set donated by Sarah and Jud Chapin.
- A new firewood art display by Cashiers Firewood. Winning bidder receives several cords of seasoned firewood delivered to home and stacked. What will this year’s design be?!
- Artwork by Carla Gignilliat, Laura Moser, Kat Ford, Stacy Howell, Matt Betty, Mary Burdette, Christy Curcuru, and Cara Chase.
- Creative trees and gift baskets featuring Vivace, Tarte cosmetics, Caboodles, Care Bears, Gracewear jewelry, toys from The Corner Store, and all things My Little Pony!
- Trees paired with trips near and far, such as 30A Florida, a Lake Keowee retreat, Highlands’ new Outpost Inn, The Grand Bohemian in Greenville, and Hotel Cashiers.
- A one-of-a-kind sculptural wreath by The Bascom and a forest of handblown glass Simon Pearce trees, courtesy of Fiddlehead Designs
- Summit designs by elementary, middle and high school grades, the art department, Athletics Booster Club, SFA, and the archery team.
Festival: After Dark on 11/29* – Seeking a sponsor!
Festival: After Dark is our enchanting nighttime party following Friday’s tree lighting at The Village Green. The Festival welcomes guests at night to enjoy a winter wonderland of jubilant lights, live music, food, and libations.*Tickets only available through Benefactor Packages and Corporate Sponsorships
VIP Breakfast with Santa & Friends on 11/30* – Sponsored by The Club at High Hampton
From Santa to Mrs. Claus and your favorite Frozen princess, enjoy special time with magical characters during a family-friendly breakfast curated by Executive Chef Andrew Barlow from The Club at High Hampton. *Tickets only available through Benefactor Packages and Corporate Sponsorships
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library Nook – Sponsored by The McKee Group brokered by Cashiers Sotheby’s International Realty
Thanks to our partners at Cashiers Sotheby’s The McKee Group, Dolly’s Foundation, and the Albert-Carlton Library, children enjoy story time and literacy crafts.
Gameday Lounge – Sponsored by The Moskowitz Law Firm
While your team competes in its legendary football rivalry game, visit our expanded Gameday Lounge. Enjoy TV screens showcasing your favorite team, comfy seating, and special drinks.
And Much, Much More! Are you unable to attend, but still want to support our cause? Don’t worry! Trees, wreaths, and gift baskets will be available to view and bid online – OR – you can click here to make a 100% tax-deductible donation to the Giving Tree Fund.
How to get involved
Volunteer Before, During, or After the Festival
Festival of Trees would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers. With a variety of events and jobs available, this is the perfect way to contribute to the community: click here to sign up!
Become a Benefactor or Corporate Sponsor
- Benefactor Packages range from $100 to $10,000+ and levels can purchased here. Supporters can also mail a check to P.O. Box 2493, Cashiers, NC, 28717.
- If a Summit family or family business signs up as a Benefactor, Corporate Sponsor, or purchases an Auction Item, your participation will count toward your family’s contribution to the 2024-25 Family Fund.
- Businesses interested in becoming a corporate sponsor can click here to learn about the variety of sponsorship opportunities.
Purchase Individual Tickets
Individual Festival tickets are now online! Adult tickets are $5 each and free for 18 & younger. Each ticket includes a coupon to the Jersey Mike’s Subs in both Sylva and Brevard. One ticket allows entry for both days. Purchasing your ticket in advance results in expedited check-in at the Festival.
What does my donation support?
Summit relies on private funding on an annual basis to fund the vital needs of our school children, staff, and facilities. Additionally—in the spirit of holiday giving—there are a number of auction items benefiting worthy area nonprofits.