2nd Annual 'Festival Of Trees' To Benefit North Fork Needy

NORTH FORK, NY — At a time when the pandemic has sparked great need, the "2nd Annual North Fork Festival of Trees" aims to help those who are struggling.

The Center for Advocacy, Support & Transformation, or CAST — formerly known as Community Action Southold Town — will present the festival at Treiber Farms, located at 38320 County Road 48 in Peconic, on December 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event is described as a "hybrid live and virtual auction of festive trees and local art that will benefit CAST’s mission to serve the North Fork with neighbors helping neighbors in times of need."

Ticket prices are $10 for adults; $5 for seniors and children over 6; children under 5 are free.

“This is an important event for CAST, especially with the increased level of need and COVID restrictions for almost two years that have made galas and other benefits impossible for nonprofits to hold,” CAST Executive Director Cathy Demeroto said. “The Festival of Trees is a wonderful family-friendly community celebration which enables CAST to carry out its critical mission of service to people in need on the North Fork."

Attendees are encouraged to bring new unwrapped toys for the annual CAST holiday toy drive.

To prepare for the event, a crew of volunteers will transform the working farm into a "winter wonderland" using barns and other areas around the property to showcase the trees and offer seating and gathering spaces, CAST said Also featured will be holiday music and refreshments for sale.

Local businesses, artists, and community members have signed up to adorn 7.5 pre-lit trees with timely or topical themes. The trees, along with artwork donated by local artists, will be auctioned to raise significant funds for CAST.

The Old Town Arts Guild in Cutchogue will create a "Farm Life"-themed tree with handmade crafts and Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty is focusing on the local wineries with a "North Cork Christmas," CAST said.

“Last year was so much fun, we couldn’t wait to be among the first to sign on as a sponsor and designer in 2021,” Daniel Gale’s Katie Schimpf said. “And it’s for such a phenomenal cause."

Designers who missed the tree deadline can still decorate wreaths to be sold at the festival as part of a holiday marketplace. To design wreaths, become a sponsor, or donate, contact Anne Kneuer at akneuer@castnorthfork.org or call 631-477-1717.

For additional information about the festival, click here.