“Festival of Trees” will Support CAST’s Mission
CAST, the Center for Advocacy, Support & Transformation on the North Fork, will hold its third annual North Fork Festival of Trees this weekend, Nov. 19 and 20, at Treiber Farms, 38320 County Road 48 in Peconic.
The event, which will be both live and virtual, will display uniquely themed trees and wreaths decorated by local businesses, artists and friends of CAST, to benefit the organization’s work helping North Fork residents in need become self-sufficient.
In addition to the Tree Barn, there will be a Winter Garden, with wreaths and silent auction items, a Merry Marketplace with handmade holiday items for sale, as well as a Cookie Cottage with baked goods.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, and Santa will visit on both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Festival of Trees will help CAST raise funds for essential food relief and emergency
assistance programs, as many families are struggling to make ends meet during this time of 40-year high inflation. The organization is experiencing a significant increase in demand for food and emergency needs that impact health and safety, including rent, electricity, gas/oil, and medical needs.
CAST is serving more than 900 families on the North Fork and Shelter Island and they expect to provide more than 340,000 meals in 2022. CAST relies on the continued generosity of the community to meet the growing need.
The holiday trees and wreaths and other items will be auctioned off to the highest bidder to benefit CAST. Those who come can meander through the tree and wreath gardens, while enjoying holiday music and refreshments for sale. There will also be a Designer’s Choice and People’s Choice Award for the trees.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children 5 and over. Children under 5 are free.
Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased in advance for each festival day. At the event, CAST will also be collecting new unwrapped toys for the annual CAST Holiday Toy Drive, benefiting North Fork and Shelter Island families in need.
“Festival of Trees attendees will experience the vibrant community spirit that makes the North Fork special, while helping our neighbors in need who have been faced with tremendous challenges this year,” said CAST Executive Director Cathy Demeroto.
Peconic Bay Medical Center – Northwell Health is the presenting sponsor and many
local business and community members are participating to support CAST.
“As a community hospital at heart, we strive to uplift our community, and are proud to sponsor the North Fork Festival of Trees and help support families in need,” said Peconic Bay Medical Center Executive Director Amy Loeb, EdD, MBA, RN. “This incredible event is a great opportunity not only to celebrate the holidays, but also to raise funds that provide essential relief for families who are impacted by increases in the cost of living. We thank CAST for their continued support of our community and for giving us the opportunity to join their cause.”
Tree designer and Greenport Harbor Brewing Company co-owner Ann Vandenburg said her family’s business “supports CAST’s mission to serve families and individuals in need here on the North Fork. The Festival of Trees delights the community with the magic of the season and the spirit of giving.”
