KATY MAGAZINE I NOVEMBER 2018
Katy’s newest holiday extravaganza, the Festival of Trees, is coming to Cane Island where families can kick off the holiday season November 23 – 25 amidst a collection of custom-designed Christmas trees and wreaths, a massive holiday gift market, live entertainment, photos with Santa and more – all benefiting The Ballard House and its mission of providing temporary housing for patients and their families coming to the Katy area for extended medical treatment.
HOURS AND DATES
The three-day spectacular is expected to become Katy’s largest holiday-themed event. Hours for the festival are Friday, November 23 from 1 – 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, November 24 – 25 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Free on-site parking is available. All festival activities will be held in the Cane Island Amenity Village, 2100 Cane Island Parkway.
Parade of Trees
The focal point of the celebration is the Parade of Trees, row after row of custom-designed Christmas trees and wreaths expertly themed and decorated by neighbors, businesses, and organizations. Each is available for purchase.
Holiday Market
There will be over 50 local exhibitors will present crafts, jewelry, foods, gift items and holiday finds at the gift market.
Photography L. to R. Kathy Alt, executive director, The Ballard House with Festival of Trees show producers Brian Varvel and Christy Bohlen of Keller Williams Premier Realty
Entertainment
Live performances by local singer/songwriter Brad Boyer and Katyite Hayden Baker, as well as choir performances, cheerleader routines, Tae-Kwon-Do exhibitions and other live entertainment. There will be food trucks and S’mores kits for fireside marshmallow roasting for purchase.
Photos with Santa
For the kids, there are photos with Santa and a Big Fun Kidz Zone with bounce houses, petting zoo, face painting, balloon artists and pony rides. As for the big kids, they’ll enjoy a collection of vintage and classic cars presented by the Katy Cruizers car collector club on Saturday, November 24 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Benefiting the Ballard House
Proceeds from admission tickets, trees, and wreaths will be give to the Ballard House. The Ballard House is a temporary housing place for those undergoing medical treatment at local hospitals.
ADMISSION & TICKETS
Admission to Festival of Trees, including the Holiday Market, photos with Santa, live entertainment and the Katy Cruizers car show, is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7 for children ages 3 – 12. Children under two are free. Family passes, good for two adults and two children, are $40. Discounted $10 tickets for veterans will be available at the gate with military ID.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.bhfot.org. Tickets also can be purchased at the event.
To reach Cane Island, take the Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway. Head north for one-half mile on Cane Island Parkway to the community entrance.