Annual Festival of the Trees kicks off in November

The fifth annual Downtown Rochester Festival of the Trees will kick off on Friday, November 16 through 18 at the Rochester Community House.

Downtown Development Director Kristi Trevarrow said this year's festival promises to be the biggest and brightest yet, with over 70 trees, wreaths, centerpieces, tablescapes, and more.

All items will be auctioned with proceeds benefiting The Big, Bright Light Show and Rochester-area non-profit organizations. Participating non-profit organizations include Assistance League of SE Michigan, City Light Church, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, Faith in Action, Meadow Brook Theatre, New Day Foundation, Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the St. John Rochester Hills Cancer Center.

The festival kicks off with a Cocktail Preview on Friday, November 16, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow. Tickets are $50 per person or $85 per couple. The event will be open to the public on November 17 and 18. Admission is free. Santa will be on hand both Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

New to this year's event will be an invitation to the public to bring an ornament for the Community Tree. The tree will be on display throughout the weekend, and will then be moved to its holiday home location at the Rochester Hills Public Library.