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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Applications are still open for the 2024 edition of the Alabaster Festival of Trees.

Until Monday, Nov. 18, residents and businesses have the opportunity to sign up and participate in the third annual Alabaster Festival of Trees. Participants will have the opportunity to decorate a tree and display it on the grounds of Alabaster City Hall starting on Friday, Dec. 6 and lasting until Thursday, Jan. 2.

“This will be our third year holding it,” Alabaster Public Relations Manager Neal Wagner said. “I’ve got to give props to our human resources department. They did a really good job organizing it along with Parks and Rec a couple of years ago, and it’s growing every year. It’s something I think people are really looking forward to.”

Once the festival begins, a selection of trees will be spread across the municipal green from Alabaster City Hall to Alabaster Senior Center that will be decorated with a variety of themes and decorations.

Payment to participate in the Alabaster Festival of Trees is $250 and includes one 7-8 foot live tree with an electricity outlet, printed signage showcasing the sponsors and advertising on the city’s website and Facebook page. A portion of the $250 entry fee will go toward providing Christmas gifts for local families in need through Shelby County Emergency Services.

On Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., registrants will be able to choose their tree for the festival on a first come, first serve basis. Entrants will then have until Thursday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. to decorate their tree before the judging and lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 6. Entries in the festival of trees will be judged and will have opportunity to secure the following awards:

• Most Creative
• Support a College Tree
• Cindy Lou Who Children’s Award
• Best Business Showcase
• Jolly Christmas Tree
• Santa Showcase

A portion of the entry fee for the festival of trees will be put toward a combined effort with SEA and local nursing homes that involves the city adopting several families to purchase gifts for during the holiday season.

“Once we collect all of those items, all of the city employees will get together in December and have a big wrapping party for all of the families that we’ve adopted,” Wagner said. “That helps provide Christmas gifts to families who otherwise may not have it, or senior citizens who may be alone on Christmas.”

Those who wish to sign up for the Alabaster Festival of Trees can do so online at Alabaster.seamlessdocs.com/f/festivaloftrees. There are a limited number of trees available and the deadline for payment will be on Nov. 18 at 4 p.m.