There was a lot a lot of holiday cheer Tuesday evening at the W.L. Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg because the proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains. Christmas regalia was everywhere. Holiday treats were around. Here is what it was like at the event last night.
Brooke and Kevin Ownby pose for a festive photo.
A special friend met us at the entrance for a special photo.
Mignonne and Logan Coykendall have been planning for the event since last January. Well done!
Jay and Brenda Adams in festive holiday colors for the event.
Blake Maples, Anne Hewitt, Jody Ramsey, and David Moore from Citizens National Bank, a Silver Sponsor for the event.
Mark Ross, on the left. He is Chief Operating Officer for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Smoky Mountains.
This was my favorite tree. If you notice, it is upside down! Purple ornaments too.
My HIIT class friend is Anne Barry, on the left. On the right, Marci Claude, Public Relations Manager for the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Corrine Hampton and Steve Hartford.
Becky Loomis and Lessie Koopman dressed in festive attire. Our group has known them for years. In addition, Lessie owns 3D Fitness in Sevierville.
An elf on the shelf got caught in this tree!
I love this picture of Mignonne with her mother, Carol.
Marguerite and Darren Schmidt. Pictured right, Chad Will.
The best little tree!
I wandered over and met Mrs. Lorraine Hendrix. We were having a wonderful chat when I noticed someone special nearby so I asked if I could get her picture with Santa. This one is my favorite photo of the evening! She is delightful and I can’t wait to meet her again.
This Santa was very special. He even had a little bear on his sleeve. It was almost a European kind of suit. He was witty and fun!
Take a close look at the ornaments on the Paula Deen tree. Very clever!
We ran into another S.C.H.S. alumni, Davy Thomas, now Chief Operating Officer for Hospitality Solutions.
Mixx 105.5 morning radio personalities Jay Adams and Steve Hartford hosting and encouraging the crowd to support the Boys and Girls Club during the evening.
Introduction of Mike McCroskey, President of the Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains.
Pretty things to buy or to bid on during the evening.
Mike McCroskey introducing Logan Coykendall and telling of his work for the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains.
Logan Coykendall speaks about the Boys and Girls Club and the work to benefit the clubs. He and Mignonne were a driving force for this event last night.
 This was a great event to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains, which serves over 1,600 children in our county. You could not ask for a better place to take pictures with a Christmas theme. I was excited to get to get a preview before it was open to the public. Bravo to the Coykendalls , Mary Ellen Rader, the Convention Center, and all the volunteers who made it happen.
My friends and I had a wonderful time and will go back again and again. The Festival of Trees is open from November 23-26 from 10:00-7:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 27 from 10:00- 5:00 p.m. Admission is free! There is an interactive Santa’s Workshop area for children too.
In conclusion, you can’t find a more festive way to get out and about in Sevier County than the Festival of Trees. Look for the donation box on the way in and if you feel so inclined, make a small donation to the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains.
To see more pictures of Candy Canes and Cocktails reception and more Festival of Trees, go to my Facebook page for blog pictures. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1254469567899261/
Out and About in Sevierville 