2nd Annual Festival of Trees ~ Holiday Tree Trek

Fort Walton Beach Woman’s Club brings back ‘Holiday Tree Trek’ with 40+ local businesses

The 2nd Annual Festival of Trees ~ Holiday Tree Trek runs December 1-17, combining holiday displays with community fundraising for scholarships and local programs.

The Fort Walton Beach Woman’s Club announced its 2nd Annual Festival of Trees — Holiday Tree Trek event, running December 1-17, combining holiday tree displays with fundraising for scholarships and local programs.

• The “Magic Around Every Corner” festival, sponsored by Get The Coast and United Fidelity Bank, invites area businesses to create branded holiday tree displays between 5-7 feet tall within their stores. Businesses may also create window displays this year.

Residents can tour participating locations to view the decorated trees or follow Holiday Tree Trek Cards, taking selfies with listed trees and submitting them through https://www.getthecoast.com/trek/ for prizes.

Random drawings on December 20 will award a $500 grand prize donated by United Fidelity Bank, a two-night stay at the Holiday Inn Resort on the Island, two $100 prizes donated by club members of Kathy Baird and Vivian Green, a $75 gift certificate from Caddies Corner, a $50 gift certificate from Cajun Crab, and gift coupons from Florida Place Food Trucks and Rock’n Taco. 

Participants who visit all businesses on Tree Trek Card 1 or 2 and submit selfies will receive five entries in the drawing. Those completing both Cards 1 and 2 will receive 15 entries. 

• Participating businesses will compete for several distinctions, including the Mayor’s Choice Award, the Downtown Business Association Award, the Woman’s Club President’s Award, and the People’s Choice Award. Each award will have first, second and third place winners. Additional categories include Favorite Handmade Ornaments, Favorite Traditional Decorations and Favorite Business Theme, each with three place winners. 

Displays will be visible from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily or individual store hours. Businesses are encouraged to maintain displays through January 1, 2026.

New this year are QR codes on posters in participating businesses, on Get The Coast and on the Fort Walton Beach Woman’s Club Facebook page allows visitors to download Holiday Tree Trek Cards with directions and hours for each business, as well as vote for People’s Choice Awards. 40+ businesses are participating.

Entry donations support the Woman’s Club scholarship program for high school senior girls. Last year, the organization provided $4,000 in scholarships. The club also funds nine local Title 1 schools through its Safe, Secure, and Successful program, providing clothing, food, supplies and housing for students in need, and administers Shell Grants supporting other nonprofit organizations.

• Founded by Liza Jackson in 1921 with 26 charter members, the Woman’s Club has served the community for over a century. The organization established the city’s first public library. 

For more information, email [email protected] or text 850-225-0179.

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