You may not know the Washington Tunnel from the Lincoln Bridge but you’ll know it’s Christmas in New York at Intermountain’s Festival of Trees. Intermountain is celebrating the 30th annual Christmas Festival of Trees this year from Nov. 30-Dec. 3 at the Helena Civic Center. All proceeds from the four-day event benefit the children and families served by Intermountain’s residential and community-based services in the Helena area, Flathead Valley and across the state.
It all gets started with the elegant Evening in the Trees, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, open to everyone 21 and older. Stroll through the beautifully decorated trees while enjoying enchanting Christmas music by the Caseys and sampling delicious hors d’oeuvres and champagne. Participants can bid electronically on silent auction items and entertainment experiences. All tickets are $25 and available in advance at ticket outlets. A full cash bar will be available.
The traditional tabletop tree and wreath silent auction opens on the mezzanine, with artwork by local artists along with small trees and wreaths galore. The silent auction continues through the weekend
Local dancers, singers and musicians perform under the lights in the Civic Center auditorium during Family Days, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, the ballroom is home to interactive children’s activities and a lunch offered by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Montana. The guest of honor Santa Claus once again! Tickets for Family Days are $5 per person (children under 10 get in free) and will be on sale in advance. Admission is free with the donation of a new toy for the children of Intermountain.
The Clintons return for the popular Jingle Bell Jam Dance. Those 21 and older are invited to dance the night away, 7 p.m.-midnight Dec. 2 ($20 in advance and $25 at the door).
Purchasing tickets in advance for all events is recommended; ticket locations include all Valley Bank locations, Linda’s Bridal Images and Mr. Tux, Bob’s Valley Market and the Montana City Store.
The goal of Intermountain’s Festival of Trees is to raise awareness and focus on the variety of services Intermountain provides for families in the community.
About Intermountain
Intermountain’s Community Service Center at 3240 Dredge Drive offers a variety of integrated outpatient services for children, adolescents and families struggling with emotional health and substance abuse issues. Services include outpatient therapy, psychiatric medication management, psychological testing and evaluation, co-occurring substance use and mental health treatment, school based services and family based services, including adoption, foster care and in-home therapeutic care.
The flagship residential campus at 500 South Lamborn includes an integrated private school as well as a therapeutic after school program. Providence Home, a therapeutic group home in the Flathead Valley, provides another care center.
For more information, visit www.intermountain.org/fot or call the Intermountain Festival of Trees Office at 406-457-4760.