Festival of Trees: Everything you need to know

CEDAR RAPIDS — The weather outside may not yet be frightful, but the atmosphere inside the Doubletree hotel and convention center this weekend is sure to be delightful as the Festival of Trees & Holiday Market returns for another year.

The event is sponsored by Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors and Meth-Wick Community and produced by The Gazette and Cedar Rapids Jaycees.

To help you get ready for all the fun, here's everything you need to know before heading out.

Q: When is the Festival of Trees?

A: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Q: Where does the event take place?

A: DoubleTree hotel and convention center, 350 First Ave. NE, in downtown Cedar Rapids.

Q: Is the event free to the public?

A: Yes.

Q: How many trees are going to be on display?

A: More than 50, each decorated with a theme like, 'Christmas Cinema Classic,' 'Disney,' 'Baby' and 'Wilderness.'

Q: Are the trees up for auction?

A: Yes. Trees donated and decorated by local businesses and organizations are to be part of a silent auction taking place throughout the weekend. The auction also includes other holiday items donated by sponsors. A live auction, featuring about 20 of the trees, takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Q: What happens to the money raised at the auction?

A: The auctions are presented by the Cedar Rapids Jaycees with money raised to benefit Toys for Tots, HACAP's Adopt a Family, Shoes for kids and the Jaycees' Dream Makers Program.

Q: What vendors are taking part in the holiday market?

A: More than 25 vendors are set to take part in the event, offering items like metal yard art and jewelry to soaps and candles, to food items and candy. Vendors scheduled to attend are: Great Gardens, Olive's Oil, Revive Family Chiropractic, AM Artistic, We Run, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Pampered Chef, Simply Divine, Great American Popcorn Co., Origami Owl, Thirty-One, Massage Heights Edgewood, Scentsy & Lilla Rose, E's Florals, Next Generation Wireless, Keep Collective, Pink Zebra, Windy Hill Gourds, Perfectly Posh/Get Posh'd with Tracy, Bath Fitter, Pure Romance, Leaf Filter, LuLaRoe and Funny Face Designs by Lori. In addition, vendors appearing on Saturday only are: Basketcase and Essential Pendants. Vendors on Sunday only are: Lilly's Country Soap, Paparazzi Accessories and Young Living Essential Oil.

Q: Is musical entertainment planned?

A: Yes. Several musical acts are booked throughout the two-day festival. Here is a schedule:

Saturday

10 to 10:45 a.m. — Rockwell Collins Concert Band

11 to 11:30 a.m. — Cedar Sounds Chorus

Noon to 12:45 p.m. — Kennedy High School promotes its upcoming show 'Elf The Musical Jr.'

1 to 1:45 p.m. — Merry Tuba Christmas

2 to 2:45 p.m. — Young at Harp

3 to 3:45 p.m. — Chorale Midwest

4 to 4:45 p.m. — Michele Gibson

Sunday

11 to 11:30 a.m. — Gotta Love It

1 to 1:45 p.m. — Profound Sound Quartet

Q: I heard Santa may be stopping by. Is that true?

A: Yes. Santa and Mrs. Claus are to be in the Children's Room, where children can enjoy free cocoa and cookies and write their holiday wishes and drop them into a vintage mailbox. Santa visits with children on both days at the following times: 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.; 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.; 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.; 1:15 to 1:45 p.m.; 2:15 to 2:45 p.m.; 3:15 to 3:45 p.m.; and 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.

Q: How many people are expected to attend?

A: 9,000.

Q: Anything else I should know?

A: Consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy or game to donate to Toys for Tots. Drop off your donation at the Jaycees booth.