Christmas trees return to light up the Moran Mansion at Rosario Resort and Spa during the month of December, decorated by nine local non-profit organizations. Sponsored by the resort, the Festival of Trees is designed to be a fundraiser during this holiday season for participating organizations, including returning organizations Friends of Moran State Park, The Funhouse, Orcas Historical Society, Farm to Cafeteria, Orcas Montessori, Orcas Island Community Foundation, Orcas Animal Protection Society, and Wolf Hollow. New organization participating this year are Long Live the Kings (salmon hatchery) and the Junior Sailing Program.

The Moran Mansion is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the front desk of Rosario before touring the tree display. A special open house will be held on Friday, Dec. 18 through Sunday, Dec. 20 with complimentary hot apple cider and cookies available.

The public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree by purchasing a vote at $1 per ticket throughout the entire month of December. Each organization will receive the voting dollars, with the all the organizations receiving additional donations from Rosario Resort. All voter tickets will also be entered into a raffle to win prizes, including two roundtrip tickets from Orcas Island to Seattle on Kenmore Air with a two-night hotel stay, dinner for two at The Mansion Restaurant, and a two-month Rosario spa pass.

“These organizations not only create a beautiful display in our lobby each year, but they add such value to our community” states General Manager Christopher Peacock. “I hope everyone comes out to see the trees and leaves a thank you donation to support each of these groups.”