CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (WCSC) -
A Charleston holiday tradition returns Thursday, December 13 at the The Shops at Charleston Place. The 7th Annual Festival of Wreaths gives you the chance to spice up your home for the holidays and help out the MUSC Children's Hospital.
Sixteen local artists and designers have created wreaths to be auctioned off during the event this year. And with names like "Yuletide Eucalyptus" and "Buck Up and Donate" you realize, this is one holiday tradition where non-traditional is the way to go.
The wreath designers compete for prizes and also hope their creation can raise the most money. "I think it pushes everybody to be super creative and come up with an unusual idea," says designer Drayton Campbell. "All the ones I've seen are super creative." Campbell created a wreath made entirely of Eucalyptus leaves.
In the first six years, the Festival of Wreaths has auctioned more than 200 wreaths, raising almost $20,000. The 2011 event generated $5,000 for MUSC and the Children's hospital.
Local artist, Lulie Wallace is participating for the first time this year and is excited about being involved, and for the chance to help others. Wallace says "It gets so busy this time of year, so to say I'm going to set aside a couple of hours to do something that's not all about "business," but giving back to the community, it's really cool."
All wreaths will be on display at the Palmetto café in the Charleston Place from 6:00 to 9:00 Thursday, December 13th. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and that includes champagne, delectables, live music, and the chance to bid on your favorite wreath. For more information, call (843) 937-9142 or go to charlestonplace.com/FOW.
You can also go online to check out all the wreaths in this year's festival and vote for your favorite to win the "People's Choice." Just check out the album on the Charleston Place Facebook page and "Like" you favorite.
