Christ Point Church Wins Top Honor at Festival of Trees

The Christ Point Church took top honors for DeKalb County Tree of the Year at the Annual Festival of Trees Monday night with 195 votes (gifts). To be named Tree of the Year, it had to have the most gifts placed under it. Christ Point Church was also awarded as the Most Unique Tree. The event was held to collect toys for the Last Minute Toy Shop

WJLE was judged to have the Best Themed Tree: WJLE (Golden Oldies Theme) at the Annual Festival of Trees Monday night at the county complex. The tree was decorated by WJLE employee Shawna Willingham. The event was held to collect toys for the Last Minute Toy Shop

Center Hill Realty & Chalets was judged to have the Prettiest Tree at the Annual Festival of Trees Monday night at the county complex. The event was held to collect toys for the Last Minute Toy Shop

The DeKalb Prevention Coalition won the honor for “The Tree I want in my Living Room” at the Annual Festival of Trees Monday night at the county complex. The event was held to collect toys for the Last Minute Toy Shop

The DeKalb Animal Coalition won the honor for “The Most Touching Themed Tree” at the Annual Festival of Trees Monday night at the county complex. The event was held to collect toys for the Last Minute Toy Shop

December 5, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

The Annual Festival of Trees opened Monday night at the county complex for the unveiling of an impressive collection of uniquely decorated Christmas trees.

More than 700 (705) toys were collected for the Last Minute Toy Shop, which was this year’s non-profit beneficiary of the event.

The Christ Point Church took top honors for DeKalb County Tree of the Year with 195 votes (gifts). To be named Tree of the Year, it had to have the most gifts placed under it. Christ Point Church was also awarded as the Most Unique Tree.

Other award winners:
*Prettiest Tree: Center Hill Realty & Chalets
*Best Themed Tree: WJLE (Golden Oldies Theme) decorated by WJLE employee Shawna Willingham
*Most Touching Theme: DeKalb Animal Shelter
*The Tree I want in my Living Room: DeKalb Prevention Coalition

“We had lots of people come thru looking at the trees, voting for their favorite one, and we served food and there were lots of kids that had pictures made with Santa,” said event organizers.

Meanwhile registration for the Last Minute Toy Shop is Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, December 6, 7, & 8 from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m. at the county complex in the cafeteria. See the Last Minute Toy Shop Facebook Page for the required paperwork to bring.

You will need ALL of the following:
Proof of DeKalb County residency: (latest water, electric bill, etc)
Photo ID of parent/guardian: (this is the person who will shop for the child/children)
Proof of each child’s age: (child’s birth certificate. )
Proof why assistance needed: (low income housing recpt., families first or food stamp card, or pay check stub with utility and rent receipts showing you cannot afford anything extra, etc.)
NO EARLIER REGISTRATION, PLEASE DO NOT ASK.

Shopping Day is Dec. 16 – you will be given a specific time at registration as well as rules. DO NOT BRING CHILDREN DAY OF SHOPPING. NO EXCEPTION.

DeKalb County, TN children ages birth thru high school (18 years old) are eligible.

Those participating in the Festival of Trees were:

WJLE

Town & Lake Realty

DeKalb Animal Shelter

DeKalb Ace Hardware

Page/Charlie Brown Tree

Meadows/Paparazzi

Brown/Mary Kay

First Assembly of God

Hywater

Justin Potter Library

Outreach Baptist Church

DeKalb Prevention Coalition

Wilson Bank and Trust

Center Hill Realty

Suncrest

DTC

DeKalb Assessor of Property Shannon Cantrell

4-H

Christ Point Church

DeKalb Co. Fair

Middle TN Gas Company

First Bank