Since 2021, the Cashiers Festival of Trees has turned Thanksgiving weekend into one of the Plateau’s most anticipated holiday traditions.
This year’s event takes place at the Summit Center and High School on Friday, November 28, and Saturday, November 29, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., filling the space with glowing lights, rows of decorated trees, stacks of auction baskets, and a community gathered to support a cause that matters – Summit Charter School.
The festival is the school’s largest fundraiser, with a 2025 goal of $500,000. Summit Charter School is a tuition-free K–12 public charter school that receives less government funding than traditional schools, so private donations are essential. Festival funds support small classes, arts, outdoor education, and Summit’s innovative programs.
“Every dollar raised makes a tangible difference in the life of a student,” says co-chair Denice Dunn.
The impact extends well beyond the school. Local nonprofits that contribute a tree or basket receive 80 percent of the proceeds from their item, a boost for the more than two dozen small, local charities that have received funding,
“We’re not just raising money for Summit Charter School – we’re fueling other good work across the Plateau too,” adds co-chair Celeste Pratt.
Wander the aisles and you’ll find 35 to 40 trees gleaming with both traditional and themed decorations, many paired with special “experiences,” all designed to surprise and delight. Past prizes have included golf getaways for the weekend warrior, chef-prepared dinners for the gourmand, Lego master classes for families, and camping trips that turn Christmas into an adventure.
Rachel and Christopher Dyer attend July’s Toast to the Trees gala
The baskets – 65 to 70 in all – overflow with treasures, ranging from cozy holiday treats to indulgent luxury packages, with price points from $25 to several thousand dollars. And thanks to online bidding, the reach of the festival extends well beyond those who walk through the doors, drawing participation from supporters near and far.
Returning this year is the Wreath Bar, stocked with fresh greenery from Bear Valley Farm in Glenville. Guests can assemble and decorate their own wreaths to take home, adding a personal touch to their holiday season. Volunteer designers are also on hand to create a wreath masterpiece for guests to take home.
Food trucks will be parked outside, turning the festival into a day-long outing with shopping, bidding, and lunch in one stop.
Two sponsor events add extra sparkle to the weekend. On Friday night, an After Dark party offers cocktails and bidding in a room aglow with illuminated trees. Food is generously prepared by The Club at High Hampton. On Saturday morning, families flock to a VIP Breakfast with Santa and Friends, a chance for children to enjoy a holiday meal and share their wish lists with Santa himself. This year’s breakfast is sponsored by Waffle House.
The festival runs on volunteer energy, with every Summit Charter School family and community members contributing time and effort. More than 1,000 people attend each year, and hundreds more bid online, extending the festival’s reach well beyond Cashiers. Each July, benefactors are honored at the Toast of Trees dinner, held this year at Canyon Kitchen. Leading the way is the presenting sponsor, Cashiers Valley Real Estate, returning for the second year and underscoring the commitment of local businesses to education on the Plateau.
In just a few years, the Festival of Trees has grown into a centerpiece of the holiday season – an event that blends generosity with creativity while drawing the community together.
As Denice Dunn puts it, “It’s a magical way to celebrate the holidays while investing in the future of our kids – and in the strength of our entire community.”
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