CAST in Southold, the North Fork’s most far-reaching provider of safety net and self-sufficiency programs, is holding its sixth annual North Fork Festival of Trees this weekend at Treiber Farms in Peconic.
This event, CAST’s largest annual fundraiser, welcomes visitors to explore a winter wonderland of holiday magic, with locally designed trees and wreaths, live music, delicious refreshments, holiday and handcrafted goods, and a robust silent auction.
The event is held at Treiber Farms, 38320 County Road 48 in Peconic, on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
These uniquely themed trees and wreaths are decorated by local businesses, residents, and friends of CAST, and this year, there are 25 trees on display to explore, admire, be inspired by, and vote for in the People’s Choice Awards. Each tree is complemented by a series of accompanying gifts matching the theme of the tree.
Guests are also able to shop at the Merry Marketplace of holiday items, children’s toys and local artisans’ and artists’ handmade works, and purchase locally sourced baked goods and hot beverages at the Cookie Cottage.
Families and children can take their photo with Santa on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and new this year, there will be face-painting and ornament craft-making activities for children.
The decorated trees and wreaths as well as the other experiences, packages, and goods can be bid upon in an online auction to benefit CAST, whose motto is “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”
Each year, the Festival of Trees helps CAST raise funds to provide critical food relief and emergency assistance programs to the many local families struggling to make ends meet. With the North Fork’s increasingly high cost of living combined with its affordable housing crisis and many community members underemployed or unemployed during the winter due to seasonal work, CAST is experiencing a significant increase in demand for food relief.
They’re also seeing an increasing need in emergency assistance for urgent needs that impact health and safety, including rent, electricity, gas/oil, and medical. CAST serves nearly 1,500 families on the North Fork and Shelter Island and expects to provide approximately 470,000 meals in 2025, made possible through the continuing generosity of the North Fork community.
“This holiday season, as more of our neighbors turn to us for support, the Festival of Trees celebrates the compassion and strength of our North Fork community more than ever,” says CAST Executive Director Erica Steindl. “Our work extends beyond the critical help that we offer local families and individuals in meeting their essential needs — it’s also about reminding one another that no one is alone. Together, we can foster hope, reliance, and a deep sense of connection that unites us all.”
Tickets to the Festival of Trees are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students (age 6 to 18), and free for children 5 and under. At the event, CAST is accepting monetary donations and also collecting new unwrapped toys for the annual CAST Holiday Toy Drive benefiting North Fork and Shelter Island families in need.
The silent auction of trees, wreaths and items and experiences is also available online, where you can shop from home through Monday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. Here’s where to bid.
This year’s Festival of Trees presenting sponsor is Peeko Oysters, which not only grows oysters in the waters of the Peconic Estuary, but also supports local farms and small businesses.
“Peeko Oysters is always proud to support CAST and their vital work serving our community in so many ways,” said Peter Stein, Founder of Peeko Oysters. “The Festival of Trees has become a joyful event for all who attend, and we hope this year’s turnout is record-breaking. Now more than ever, we need neighbors helping neighbors.”
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