At the 14th Annual Festival of Trees, the lights don’t just twinkle, they inspire. Each light shines a message of hope and love, and represents the “stars” of Festival of Trees: children with disabilities served by Sandhills Children’s Center.

The Festival of Trees lights up the holiday season Nov. 9-14 at the Carolina Hotel, located in the village of Pinehurst.

Each year the Festival of Trees presents a forest of imaginatively decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, tree skirts, gingerbread creations, vignettes and gift baskets galore, which will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

This year the festival will feature more than 70 trees, each with its own unique style: ornate, trendy, whimsical, creative, humorous and sentimental. Every tree is decorated and donated by individuals, families, businesses, church groups and community organizations, showing off each designer’s distinct personality.

“The Festival of Trees allows our community to shine as we come together to help children at Sandhills Children’s Center,” says Kathy Desmond, director of development. “All who decorate, donate,and come to the festival help provide much needed funds for children in need, and that makes every person who participates in the festival a star.”

For additional information about Festival of Trees and Sandhills Children’s Center, visit www.sandhillschildrenscenter.org or call (910) 692-3323.