November 9, 2017 – January 14, 2018
This annual exhibit of stunning holiday trees, decorated by regional designers and artists, will be open to the public starting November 9th and will run through January 14, 2018. Featuring nearly 30 unique designs, the Festival of Trees exhibition will be open during regular operating hours (Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-5PM and Sunday 1-5PM) and is included with Museum admission.
Since the festival's inception in 1986, the signature exhibition and complimenting festivities have not only provided financial support for the Museum’s educational programs but also connected thousands of volunteers, local businesses, and artists to the institution. One of Macon’s favorite social events of the year, the 2017 Festival of Trees promises to be extraordinary thanks to a committee of 75 volunteers and presenting sponsors Morgan Stanley and Planters First Bank.
Festival of Trees, which was originally named Our Holiday Best, represents three generations of investment in the Museum’s educational programming. The staff and volunteers are proud to see these meaningful traditions continue to grow year after year to include such a wide spectrum of events that engage so many volunteers and attract diverse audiences. Offering high-quality programming while keeping Museum admission affordable for the families of Central Georgia is the Museum's greatest challenge – and one that it could not meet without the funds raised through Festival of Trees.
The 2017 Festival of Trees begins on Wednesday, November 8th, with a seated luncheon for 200 at the Museum. A delicious meal prepared by Bonefish Grill and served by volunteers makes this event especially meaningful. The Luncheon also features a dazzling show of the latest in holiday fashions and the first viewing of the Festival of Trees exhibition. The Sugar Plum Shop will offer its famous gourmet goodies along with hand-made objects called, “Museum Made.” Tickets to the luncheon are $50 per person; lunch begins at noon, but doors open at 11 AM.
The Festival of Trees Gala will be held on Thursday, November 9th, downtown at the Historic Terminal Station from 7 – 11 PM and will include live music and dancing with Tron Jackson Bank, open bar, and heavy hors-d'oeuvres. Reservations to this black-tie event are required; tickets are $75 through October and $100 beginning November 1st. The star of the evening is the annual Macon Millionaire Raffle, boasting a prize package valued at $15,000 including trips; tickets to events; gift certificates to local boutiques, spa services, restaurants; and more! Raffle tickets are $50. Although the winner is announced at the Gala, one doesn’t need to be present to win. While dancing the night away to live music, Gala attendees also may place bids in a silent auction featuring artwork donated by regional artists.
Complementing the festivities will be a children’s event on Saturday, November 18th, at the Museum including a holiday movie, craft activities, hot chocolate, Santa’s Secret Shop, and more. Thanks to the event’s presenting sponsor Coliseum Health System Pediatric ERs, activities will include showings of the movie "Arthur Christmas" in the Planetarium (three show times available throughout the day at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM). After each show, hot chocolate and cookies will be provided, as well as a holiday craft, scavenger hunt for kids, plus all the regular Museum program offerings. A gourmet coffee and tea bar with refreshments and snacks will be offered for parents. The day marks the opening of Santa’s Secret Shop, an annual favorite that offers one-stop holiday shopping for kids who want to purchase something special for their family members. Tickets are $30 for one adult and one child and $12 for each additional person.
The Festival of Trees exhibition and events would not be possible without the support of the following sponsors:
Presenting Sponsors
Corporate Sponsors
Gold Sponsors:
Coliseum Health System • Law Offices of Buzzell, Graham & Welsh, LLP
Silver Sponsors:
Capital City Bank • El Sombrero, Forsyth Road • Five Star Automotive Group • OrthoGeorgia
Bronze Sponsors:
Butler Automotive Group • Jason Chapman, M.D. • Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP • Cortes Jewelers
J. Cameron Garvin, DMD • Macon Pediatric Dentistry • Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC • Middle Georgia Solutions
Pediatric Dentistry of Central Georgia • Sheridan, Solomon & Associates, LLC
Smaha Orthodontics • Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc. • Stone & Baxter, LLP
The Georgia Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery • Walthall Oil Company • Zaxby’s of Middle GA
Copper Sponsors:
Proforma Ascension Marketing Group
Ambrose Pediatric Dentistry • American Pride Bank • Anna Greer Interiors • B & D Industrial • Bon Hommes Inc
Carlyle Place • Chambless, Higdon, Richardson, Katz & Griggs, LLP • Country Financial • Day & Ennis, LLC
Eberhardt & Barry • Georgia Land Company, LLC • GMFS Lending • Hofstadter & Associates, Inc.
Minor C. Vernon, MD & Molly R. Sims, MD • Patton, Albertson and Miller Group, LLC • Powers Law Group
Pure Barre Macon • Raymond James • Rescom Cabinets, Inc • Smith, Hawkins, Hollingsworth, & Reeves, LLP
Southern Forest Industries, INC • Starr Electric • State Bank & Trust Company
The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center • Tidwell & Hilburn Insurance • Women's Specialty Care
Individual Sponsors
Star Sponsors:
Candy and Malcolm Burgess • Lynn and Terry Pope
Santa Sponsors:
The Honorable and Mrs. R. Lanier Anderson III
Georgia and Bob Hatcher • Mr. and Mrs. Gene Maddux
Mrs. Ralph G. Newton, Jr. • Tom B. Wight
Snowman Sponsors:
Seth Bush, M.D. • Belfield and Ethel Ware Carter • Holly A. Ertel
Dr. Brad and Mrs. Mimi Ford • Mrs. Eleanor A. Lane • Bert and Mardi Maxwell
Kenneth and Hatsy Sams • Mr. and Mrs. Tim Sheridan
Isabelle and Blake Sullivan • Mr. Daron and Dr. Champa Woodham • Dr. and Mrs. Edward H. Young