Tag Archive for: Georgia Festival of Trees

GEORGIA FESTIVAL OF TREES MOVES TO GWINNETT COUNTY, BRINGS BACK PINK PIG FOR 2024 HOLIDAY SEASON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/5/24

Atlanta Nonprofit To Host Annual Festival At Gas South Convention Center With Forest Of Holiday Trees For Auction, New Pink Pig, Live Entertainment And More

Georgia Festival of Trees will kick off another holiday season with its signature multi-day festival at a new home inside Gas South Convention Center in Duluth, Georgia from Saturday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Dec. 1. The event will feature a dazzling display of Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and nativities for auction, Penelope (Penny) the Pink Pig*, live music and entertainment, Christmas Brick Challenge, Gingerbread Competition, kids’ activities and games, boutique gift shops and more. 

Known as the state’s largest holiday event, Georgia Festival of Trees continues to support local organizations working to end the commercial sexual exploitation of women and children in Georgia by partnering with Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink. 

“When we started Georgia Festival of Trees four years ago, we weren’t sure how it would be received and it’s remarkable to see how it’s grown and evolved into a special holiday tradition for families,” said Angie Ulibarri, Georgia Festival of Trees executive director. “Through this growth, our team continues to closely listen to feedback from our guests, which is why we’re thrilled to share exciting new updates for this year including a new location, the After Dark Comedy Showcase presented by The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett and our very own Pink Pig, Penny. Even with all the new additions, the heartbeat of the festival remains the same – holiday magic with a heart to end human trafficking.”

Each tree, wreath, centerpiece and nativity at the festival is designed, decorated and donated by individuals and organizations around the Southeast, providing a beautiful array of holiday decor. Trees and other decor are auctioned off both in-person and online during the festival. The auction serves as the primary driver to support Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink.

“It’s an honor to once again partner with the Georgia Festival of Trees,” said Bob Rodgers, Street Grace president and CEO. “Our hope is that through this holiday event, people across the community will better understand the human trafficking epidemic in our own backyard and how to join the fight against it.”

Georgia Festival of Trees will debut Penny the Pink Pig*, a new pig-themed train for children and adults, inspired by the beloved Atlanta tradition originally created in 1953 by Rich’s. This new version will transport guests on a magical ride through the Georgia Festival of Trees and will be open each day from Nov. 23 to Dec. 1, except Nov. 27-28 when the festival will be closed for Thanksgiving. Rides on the Pink Pig will cost $5 per person.

“We’re thrilled to be a beneficiary of the Georgia Festival of Trees for the second consecutive year, especially in the year  they debut the new Pink Pig!” said Jessica Lamb, founder of Atlanta Redemption Ink. “While activities, like the Pink Pig, are fun, Georgia Festival of Trees has a deeper meaning behind each of these – to support the fight against human trafficking. Our organization aims to bring hope and joy to survivors, and it’s an honor to share this heartbeat with the Georgia Festival of Trees.”

The festival offers live music and entertainment on the main stage, as well as Santa with his reindeer and life-size sleigh and Reindeer Games for the kids, which include the Elf Training Academy, the Lil’ Elves Driving Academy, LEGO® bricks, Elf Phone Booth, North Pole Post Office and more. Guests can enjoy sugar cookie decorating at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, Santa’s Workshop, a Gingerbread Competition, Christmas Brick Challenge and boutique shopping. 

Attendees are also encouraged to take part in daily themes at the festival including Senior Day presented by WellCare – a health insurance company providing managed care services.  Guests who are 62 and older will receive free entry, and Physical and Developmental Disabilities Day presented by CareSource – a nationally recognized, nonprofit managed health care organization – with sensory friendly hours from 9 a.m.-11a.m.

Georgia Festival of Trees is sponsored by Amerimed, WellCare, Ambetter Health, CareSource, Classic Tents and Events, Frontgate Furniture Outlet and more. Tickets to the Georgia Festival of Trees start at $13.95 for seniors ages 62 and up, and adult tickets are $18.95. Children’s tickets for ages 3-12 are $18.95 and include access to all activities in the Reindeer Games area. The Pink Pig, cookie decorating, Santa’s Workshop (a shopping experience for children), photos with Santa and the After Dark Comedy Showcase on Nov. 30 are an additional cost. 

For a schedule of events, to purchase tickets, become a sponsor or a volunteer, donate an auction item, or learn more about the Georgia Festival of Trees and its charity partners, visit gafestivaloftrees.org. 

*The Pink Pig is a trademark of Macy’s.

THE GEORGIA FESTIVAL OF TREES BRINGS BACK THE PINK PIG FOR THE 2024 HOLIDAY SEASON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/5/24

Classic Atlanta Tradition Returns To Ring In Holidays

Nearly 70 years since Macy’s Pink Pig™* made its grand debut in Atlanta, a new generation will now be able to enjoy the beloved tradition. The Pink Pig will return to Atlanta for this year’s Georgia Festival of Trees, offering Georgians a new twist on the holiday tradition.

Georgia Festival of Trees, the state’s largest holiday event focused on spreading holiday magic with a heart to end human trafficking, will take place at Gas South Convention Center from Saturday, Nov. 23 to Sunday, Dec. 1. The new Pink Pig will debut at the Opening Night Gala on Friday, Nov. 22.

“We are thrilled for the Gas South Convention Center to be the new home of the Georgia Festival of Trees!” said Stan Hall, CEO at Gas South District. “The festival is the premier event to kick off the holiday season, and with this year’s grand debut of the Pink Pig, it’s the perfect time for our Gwinnett community to embrace this beloved tradition. It is a privilege to welcome the Georgia Festival of Trees to the Gas South District as they continue bringing holiday magic to Georgians while supporting those who are working to end human trafficking in our state.” 

Georgia Festival of Trees is an eight-day festival featuring a dazzling display of Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and nativities for auction. The festival also offers live music and entertainment on the main stage, Santa with his reindeer and life-size sleigh and Reindeer Games for the kids, which include the Elf Training Academy, the Lil’ Elves Driving Academy, LEGOs, Elf Phone Booth, North Pole Post Office and more. Guests can enjoy sugar cookie decorating at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas Gingerbread House Competition and boutique shopping. Proceeds from the event will benefit two local nonprofit organizations on the front lines in the fight to end human trafficking: Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink.

The Pink Pig is a pig-themed train for children and adults first created in 1953 by Rich’s. The new version will transport guests on a magical ride through the Georgia Festival of Trees and will be open each day from Nov. 23 to Dec. 1, except Nov. 27-28 when the festival will be closed for Thanksgiving. The Pink Pig will cost $5 per rider. 

“It’s an honor to bring back the Pink Pig to a new generation of Georgians,” said Georgia Festival of Trees Executive Director, Angie Ulibarri. “Macy’s Pink Pig™ has been an iconic symbol of the holidays in Atlanta, and it’s exciting to officially ring in the holiday season with this timeless tradition.”

Each tree, wreath, centerpiece and nativity at the festival is designed, decorated and donated by individuals and organizations around the Southeast, providing a dazzling array of decorative options to enhance your holiday decor. Trees and other decor are auctioned off both in-person and online during the festival. 

Tickets to the Georgia Festival of Trees start at $13.95 for seniors ages 62 and up, and adult tickets are $18.95. Children’s tickets for ages 3-12 are $18.95 and include access to the Reindeer Games area. The Pink Pig, cookie decorating, Santa’s Workshop (a shopping experience for children) and photos with Santa are an additional cost. Gas South Convention Center is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth, Ga. 30097.

For a schedule of events, to purchase tickets, become a sponsor or a volunteer, donate an auction item, or learn more about the Georgia Festival of Trees and its charity partners in the fight against human trafficking, visit gafestivaloftrees.org. 

*The Pink Pig is a trademark of Macy’s.

GEORGIA FESTIVAL OF TREES TO KICK OFF CHRISTMAS IN ATLANTA WITH ANNUAL HOLIDAY EVENT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/5/23

Atlanta Nonprofit Set To Host Annual, Eight-Day Festival At Georgia World Congress Center With Forest Of Holiday Trees For Auction, Live Entertainment And More

Georgia Festival of Trees will kick off the holiday season with an eight-day festival Saturday, Nov. 18-Sunday, Nov. 26 at the Georgia World Congress Center, featuring a dazzling display of Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and nativities for auction, live music and entertainment, Christmas Brick Challenge, kids’ activities and games, boutique gift shops, food carts and more.

The festival boasts the title of Georgia’s largest holiday event but its impact reaches far beyond that. All proceeds from the event and holiday tree sales will benefit two local nonprofit organizations working to support survivors of human trafficking and end human trafficking: Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink. The festival remains true to its mission: spreading holiday magic with a heart to end human trafficking.

“As a child, I remember eagerly waiting for the Festival of Trees, and it’s incredible to now look around and see families in my own community creating their own memories at the Georgia Festival of Trees,” said Georgia Festival of Trees Executive Director Angie Ulibarri. “While we’re bringing back many parts that our community loves, including the auction, children’s activities, pictures with Santa, the Christmas Lego Challenge and of course the beautiful trees, we’re excited to partner with two new nonprofits as we further our mission to end human trafficking.”

Each tree, wreath, centerpiece and nativity at the festival is designed, decorated and donated by individuals and organizations around the southeast, providing a variety of options for those looking to take home holiday decor. Trees and other decor are auctioned off both in-person and online during the festival.

The auction is the main driver to support this year’s beneficiaries: Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink. Street Grace is a faith-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to eradicate the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC).

“We’re honored to be partnering with Georgia Festival of Trees,” Street Grace Director of Engagement Brooke Ruffin. “The issue of sex trafficking will not be eradicated unless we shine a light on it, and what better way to do that than a festival filled with Christmas lights! We’re humbled to be a beneficiary and are excited to join in on the festivities.”

The second beneficiary is local survivor-led nonprofit, Atlanta Redemption Ink (ARI), which focuses on transforming painful reminders of the past into symbols of hope. They offer tattoo removals, scar revision, and cover-ups to survivors of commercial sexual exploitation along with training from a lived experience lens and on tattoo iconography.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of Georgia Festival of Trees’ mission to create holiday magic with a bigger purpose: to end human trafficking,” said Jessica Lamb, founder of Atlanta Redemption Ink. “Our heart is to bring hope into difficult situations, and we couldn’t think of a better event to partner with this Christmas.”

Georgia Festival of Trees is sponsored by Elavon, Amerimed, Well Care, Ambetter Health, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, doTERRA and more. Tickets to the Georgia Festival of Trees start at $13.95 for children ages 3-12 and seniors ages 62 and up, and $18.95 for adults. Additionally, a wristband for the children’s activities can be purchased prior to arriving or for $9.95 on site. The Georgia World Congress Center is located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. Northwest, Atlanta, Ga. 30313.

For a schedule of events, to purchase tickets, sign up to volunteer or learn more about the Georgia Festival of Trees visit gafestivaloftrees.org. For more about Street Grace, visit streetgrace.org. To learn more about Atlanta Redemption Ink, visit arionline.org.

GEORGIA FESTIVAL OF TREES 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/7/22

GEORGIA FESTIVAL OF TREES PRESENTED BY ATLANTA GAS LIGHT KICKS OFF
CHRISTMAS IN ATLANTA WITH PREMIER HOLIDAY EVENT


Atlanta Nonprofit Hosts Eight-Day Festival At Georgia World Congress Center With Forest Of
Holiday Trees For Auction, Live Entertainment And More


Georgia Festival of Trees presented by Atlanta Gas Light will kick off the holiday season with an eight-day festival Saturday, Nov. 19-Sunday, Nov. 27 at the Georgia World Congress Center that features a dazzling display of Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and nativities for auction, live music and entertainment, a gingerbread contest, Christmas brick challenge, kids’ activities and games, boutique gift shops, food carts and more.


As one of the first holiday events of the season in Atlanta, proceeds from the event and holiday tree sales will benefit Wellspring Living, a local nonprofit organization that supports and serves survivors of human trafficking in metro Atlanta. The festival remains true to its aim to strengthen the community through charitable engagement and holiday spirit. Georgia Festival of Trees

President and CEO Angie Ulibarri says she is thrilled for the exciting new additions to this year’s festival. “It’s an honor to officially kick off the Christmas season in Atlanta through the Georgia Festival of Trees,” said Ulibarri. “We want this event to unify the community, spread joy and light, and continue to be a memorable experience for families in Atlanta, which is why we’ve added a few new experiences this year. The Christmas brick challenge and gingerbread contest are just two more ways families can connect with each other at the Georgia Festival of Trees while celebrating the season and giving back to those in need.”


Each tree, wreath, centerpiece and nativity at the festival is designed, decorated and donated by individuals and organizations in metro Atlanta, providing a variety of options for those looking to take home holiday decor. Small trees five feet or less can be picked up at the festival on Nov. 27 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Nov. 28 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Large trees six feet or higher will be delivered and set up at the buyer’s home or office on Nov. 28 and Nov. 29.

This year’s Georgia Festival of Trees presenting sponsor is Atlanta Gas Light who provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas delivery service to approximately 1.7 million customers in Georgia. “Atlanta Gas Light is proud to partner with Georgia Festival of Trees to support the critical mission of Wellspring Living for the second consecutive year,” said Atlanta Gas Light President and CEO Pedro Cherry. “Because of the nature of our business, our employees are in a unique position to help identify suspected human trafficking and assist authorities. This event allows us to help spread holiday cheer while fueling change in the communities we serve.”


Wellspring Living provides specialized recovery services for domestic sex trafficking survivors and those at risk through residential and community-based programs. These programs provide therapeutic services, life training skills, professional development and other resources to provide a path to a successful life. “There is no cookie cutter example of trafficking or exploitation since each individual we serve has their own story and a unique set of needs,” said Mary Frances Bowley, executive director of Wellspring Living. “It’s our focus to meet survivors where they are and create a safe place for
them to heal and thrive.”

Georgia Festival of Trees is sponsored by Atlanta Gas Light, Elavon, Amerimed, Well Care, Ambetter Health, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, doTERRA and many more. Tickets to the Georgia Festival of Trees start at $12.95 for children ages 4-12 and $17.95 for adults. The Georgia

World Congress Center is located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. Northwest, Atlanta, Ga. 30313.

For a schedule of events, to purchase tickets, sign up to volunteer or learn more about the Georgia Festival of Trees visit gafestivaloftrees.org.

GEORGIA FESTIVAL OF TREES CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/5/21

Holiday Nonprofit Highlights Landmarks Around Atlanta With Special Events, Family Photos With Santa 

Georgia Festival of Trees, an Atlanta nonprofit and seasonal display benefitting Wellspring Living, is celebrating Christmas in July with appearances from Santa Claus at notable landmarks around the city. Including special events, family photos with Santa and more, stops during his ‘summer vacation’ will include Centennial Olympic Park on July 10, Georgia Aquarium on July 16, College Football Hall of Fame on July 17, Ponce City Market on July 24, Children’s Museum of Atlanta on July 27, and more throughout the month.

With the aim to generate excitement ahead of the Christmas holiday and to promote its signature event in December, Georgia Festival of Trees is partnering with organizations across the metro-Atlanta area to provide early opportunities for families to celebrate the season after missed time together in 2020.

“Last year, many families were apart and didn’t have the chance to take photos with Santa, spend time together in-person and continue those traditions that make the holiday season so special,” said Angie Ulibarri, president and CEO of the Georgia Festival of Trees. “Christmas in July is just one way we hope to bring folks back together to create memories with one another, in the same way the community will at the Georgia Festival of Trees in December. What matters most is connection with loved ones and we’re excited to bring that back to life a little early this year.”

Starting July 10th, Santa will greet his sleigh at Centennial Olympic Park to ensure it’s ready for Christmas. Throughout the month, Santa will toss the football with visitors at the College Football Hall of Fame, explore marine life at Georgia Aquarium, join participants at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, and enjoy a sweet treat with King of Pops at Ponce City Market.

“Our team is committed to making this a transformative event for metro Atlanta’s first post-pandemic Christmas,” Ulibarri said. “We are excited to partner alongside Atlanta organizations to establish the Georgia Festival of Trees as a new tradition that Atlanta families will cherish for years to come.”

Georgia Festival of Trees is a five-day event holiday celebration slated for Nov. 30 to Dec. 4, 2021, at the Georgia World Congress Center. The event will bring a display of more than 300 large and small Christmas trees, entertainment and live music, a silent auction, shopping, and more to raise funds for Wellspring Living, a local nonprofit working to transform lives of sex trafficking victims. Organizations and businesses around Atlanta are invited to donate their own custom Christmas trees, the centerpiece for the family-friendly celebration, in support of the mission of Wellspring Living. Options to donate wreaths, nativity scenes, centerpieces, festive playhouses, and other Christmas collectibles and decor are available as well.

“There are many ways community members can make a real difference during the holiday season,” Ulibarri said. “They can get involved by spreading the word about our Christmas in July event, donating an auction item, joining the volunteer team, or becoming a corporate sponsor. We are excited to provide an opportunity where Atlanta citizens can spread Christmas cheer year-round while supporting a local nonprofit at the same time.”

To learn more about Christmas in July, Georgia Festival of Trees, how to become a sponsor and more, visit gafestivaloftrees.org. To learn more about Wellspring Living and its transformative work in the fight against sex trafficking, visit wellspringliving.org.

July 10 — Centennial Olympic Park | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
July 16 — Georgia Aquarium | Time TBD
July 17 — College Football Hall of Fame | Noon – 2 p.m.
July 24 — Ponce City Market/King of Pops | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
July 27 — Children’s Museum | 10 a.m. – noon