Q: Is there an entry fee to be part of the St. Johns County Festival of Trees

A: No. The only cost(s) associated with being part of the event is that each team must be responsible for the cost of the tree or wreath it is entering and all decorations.

Q: How can I contribute funds to the Festival of Trees?

A: The public can visit the Festival and "vote" on their favorite trees or wreaths with dollars in provided ballots. Individuals may also purchase trees or wreaths through the silent auction. We also accept donations that help with the costs associated with the event such as signage and printing.

Q: Where does the money go that is raised during the St. Johns County Festival of Trees?

A: Proceeds from the event are donated to The St. Augustine Record's Empty Stocking Fund and The United Way of St. Johns County. More on the charities.

Q: How many trees are displayed?

A: Approximately 50 beautifull and uniquely decorated trees are displayed in the convention center. The Festival also features decorated wreaths and a few other surprise entries, often including handmade quilt or centerpieces.

Q: Can groups attend the event?

A: Yes, the event is FREE and open to the public, so groups are welcome to attend any time throughout the open hours of the event (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day). Parking for vans and buses is available in the St. Johns County Convention Center parking lot.

Q: What else is there to do around the Festival?

A: The Festival is located at World Golf Village, which features the World Golf Hall of Fame, the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater (featuring traditional IMAX documentaries and Hollywood films), an 18-hole putting course and a challenge hole, Murray Bros. Caddyshack Restaurant and more. Shopping outlets are located just five miles south of World Golf Village. More

Q: Can I donate and decorate more than one tree or wreath?

A: Yes, teams can enter as many entries as they would like as long as they abide by all Festival rules.

Q: If I purchase a tree or wreath through the silent auction, how can I pay for it?

A: You can pay for your purchase with cash, a check or a credit card on site when you pick up your purchase. Please be aware that you must be able to purchase and pick up your tree no later than 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 10.

Q: If I win a tree or wreath through the silent auction, how and when will I be notified?

A: If you are the highest bidder on an entry in the Festival, you will be notified by a Festival representative after 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. You will be contacted by phone or email regarding the pick-up of your purchase. If we do not speak with you, you will have 24 hours to contact the Festival staff to make arrangements for pick up and purchase. If we do not hear back from you we will contact the next highest bidder.

Q: If I win a tree or wreath through the silent auction and live out of the area, how can I pay for and receive my purchase?

A: A Festival representative will contact you regarding your purchase and will assist you with organizing the shipping of your purchase (cost will be added to cost of your items) to your selected location. You may pay for this purchase over the phone with a credit card.

Q: Are there height requirements for the trees and wreaths?

A: Yes, please refer to our decorator guidelines.

Q: Are there decorating materials provided by the Festival and at the Convention Center for teams to use?

A: All teams are responsible for their own materials, including step ladders, extension cords, scissors, etc. Please refer to our decorator guidelines for more information.

Q: What happens to entries that do not sell?

A: We're always hopeful that each entry in the Festival sells! However, knowing there is the possibility they may not, the Festival asks teams prior to the start of the event to select whether they'd like their entry back or if they'd like it donated. If they choose to have their tree or wreath donated, the Festival coordinates with local charities to have the trees donated to a needy family.