Photo courtesy of Hagen McDonell
Celebrate the spirit of giving this holiday season at the sixth annual Deck the Trees celebration. All month long, trees decorated by Black Mountain’s local business owners, nonprofits, community groups and a few individuals will be on display at the historic Monte Vista Hotel for the public to view and vote on. Each vote is a direct contribution to the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry’s (SVCM) Fuel Fund—a charity project which helps struggling Swannanoa Valley residents heat their homes through the winter.
“People come to view and to donate out of their sense of gratitude for what they have been given,” says Sue Conlon, owner of the Monte Vista Hotel. “They want to share their resources with those in need, but they also come because the people in their community have created something of beauty that is not to be missed.”
On December 15, the community will gather at the Monte Vista Hotel where a winning tree will be announced, according to the votes it generates. Everyone who creates a tree feels like a winner, though, according to event co-chair Libba Fairleigh. “It feels sort of like a Norman Rockwell Christmas when you see all the trees and know that each tree has been made out of a sense of love. It is a way we can all be a partner in the community.”
In addition to the tree display, there will be many other events throughout the month benefitting the project. A black tie Christmas gala, an awards ceremony, and photo ops with Santa are just a few of the festivities being hosted by the Monte Vista Hotel and SVCM for this mountain community.
The public is invited to view the trees at the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State Street in Black Mountain, December 2–25 from 10 A.M. until 9 P.M. Find out more about Deck the Trees and other events at themontevistahotel.net.
