Cashiers Festival of Trees

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: 2021/11 – November

Christmas decorating is a uniquely American folk art, and like all art takes many forms.  

Those in need of ideas can view holiday decorations in many iterations and their most innovative interpretations at the inaugural Cashiers Festival of Trees. 

More than 80 trees, wreaths, and gift baskets will be on display for visual enjoyment, at auction, and for purchase.  Hosted by the Summit Charter School Foundation, the event is a fundraiser to benefit the school and other non-profits across the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau. 

On Friday and Saturday, November 26 and 27, the Summit Center, the school’s athletic and fine arts facility, will explode with a profusion of lights and people ogling those lights as they glow in dozens of trees while students and local music groups perform.    

Other festivities include a winter wonderland sing-a-along, and one-of-a-kind shopping in the Gift Zone, offering handmade crafts and holiday-themed gifts, ornaments, and foodstuffs.  Additionally, kids can enjoy craft activities, Storytime on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Stage, Meet & Greet with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and a pop-up Build-A-Bear workshop. 

In advance of the public opening (10:30 A.M.), VIP Preview Breakfasts are scheduled for benefactors and corporate sponsors; the November 26 Breakfast with the Grinch is sponsored by Moët & Chandon and the November 27 Breakfast with Santa is sponsored by Zoller Hardware and Francie Hargrove Interior Design.

Summit Charter School is a tuition-free K-12 public charter school serving 252 students and 45 teachers, representing four counties in rural Western North Carolina.  Founded in 1997, Summit is celebrating its first year being a K-12 school and the graduation of its first class of seniors.  As Summit relies on private funding, they hope to raise $175,000 from the festival to “fully fund the vital needs of our school children and provide the unique benefits of a Summit education.”

As co-chairs Sarah Palisit Chapin and Sarah Jennings expressed, “We hope you will join the festive fun, which will have a purposeful impact on the lives of local students, teachers and participating non-profits.  From holiday shopping to uniquely curated trees and décor, we can’t think of a better way to kick off the holiday season while giving back to the community at the same time.” 

The festival is eagerly seeking volunteers, and those interested should send an email to [email protected].  For more information on tickets and sponsorship or to support the festival virtually, visit summitschool.org.