MOSES LAKE — It was an evening of glittery trees, gaudy sweaters and holiday cheer at the Festival of Trees, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake’s annual banquet, auction and fundraiser. The event raised a little more than $70,000, according to Executive Director Rebecca Mabius.  

This is the 30th year Habitat has put on the Festival of Trees.  

Thirteen businesses and individuals each donated a Christmas tree decorated with a theme, many of them pre-laden with gifts. There was a “Home Alone”-themed tree by Moses Lake Industries with a Lego set and puzzle, a DoorDash card, luggage and a Ring Home Security System, to keep the Wet Bandits from invading the buyer’s home. The Vintage Country Christmas tree, donated by Cobie’s Dry Cleaning, Enchanted Gowns and Sage Academy, had homemade leather ornaments, burlap garlands and a cowboy hat topper. Youth Dynamics contributed a Bob Ross “Happy Little Tree,” with a waffle maker, socks and a Bob Ross plush character complete with paintbrush. Guild Mortgage’s contribution was a sparkly champagne-themed tree. 

Enzo’s catered the dinner, and beverages were supplied by Eleventh Hour and Shenanigenz. 

Robin and Angela Moore of Moses Lake were there, she in glittering green finery and he in a snowman-spangled suit that rivaled any ugly Christmas sweater ever knitted. They both agreed that the wine was excellent but were split on which tree they’d like to take home. Robin had his eye on the “Build a Better Future” tree by CAD Homes, with miniature hard hats and construction tools. 

“I like the ‘Home Alone’ tree as well,” he said. 

“Between you and I, I think the Guild tree wins,” Angela said. 

Five nonprofit organizations had contributed smaller trees as well, and the price those brought in was shared between the donor and Habitat. There was also a dessert dash, a silent auction, a wreath raffle and a German Christmas pickle hunt. 

Traditionally, the pickle is hidden and whoever finds it gets an extra present, Mabius said, but for the Festival of Trees, organizers hid five pickles around the venue just for fun. 

“The gift is finding a pickle,” Mabius said. “I think it’s hilarious having grown adults trying to find a Christmas pickle. People enjoy it.” 

Every year Habitat honors someone in the community with the Golden Hammer Award for their contributions, and this year’s honoree was Griselda Lopez of WaFd Bank. 

“She was the organization president for many years and dedicated a lot of time and energy,” Mabius said. “She's also been a continuous supporter.” 

    From left: Josh Bruce, Yvette Ferranti and Crystal Bruce look over desserts at the Festival of Trees Dec. 7.
  

    A blue and silver glow comes from the Winter Wishes tree donated to the Habitat for Humanity Festival of Trees by Friend of Habitat Dawn Mabius.
  

    Thirteen different trees were arrayed around the ATEC Building at Big Bend Community College for the 30th annual Habitat for Humanity Festival of Trees.