Are you looking for a beautiful, unique Christmas decoration for your home or a gift for a friend or loved one?

Decorated wreaths and trees for the 2007 "Mayors' Festival of Wreaths and Trees" will be on display in the Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center's Lusty Gallery through Dec. 7.

The trees and wreaths on display are available for purchase through silent bidding until Dec. 6. Proceeds from the auction will help sponsor Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center classes and programs.

"Again this year, we have wonderful variety with something to please everyone from the elegant to the traditional to sacred to unique to the whimsical," said Beth Thomas, executive director of the arts center. "We have a tree for every room and a wreath for every door."

The wreaths and trees have been decorated by florists, civic-minded individuals, garden clubs, mayors' spouses, town council members and town council staff. Fashioned from pinecones, ornaments, garland, lights and other non-perishable materials, the wreaths and trees can be decorated according to any theme.

Inspiration often comes from a town attraction or events and resources of historical significance. For example, Branchville is the oldest railroad junction in the world, and Santee is home to championship golf courses and bea.jpgul Lake Marion. Branchville submitted the "Toy Train Tree," while Santee focused on its recreational sites with the "Golfing and Fishing Wreath."

The "Mayors' Festival of Trees" developed through the "Mayors' Festival of Wreaths," which began six years ago. In the past, Thomas said wreaths have fetched as much as $100 during the auction.

"This is the first year that we are offering both wreaths and trees, and it is an excellent display of the talent abundant in each of our towns," she said.

Twelve wreaths and trees represent the 17 municipalities in Orangeburg County at this year's event.

"The 'Mayors' Festival' is a wonderful promotion of each town and the individuals who live in that community," Thomas said. "This event also presents an opportunity for you to buy a very special gift for someone while supporting the programs at the fine arts center."

The wreaths and trees will be on exhibit during The Sights and Sounds of Christmas on Monday, Nov. 19, which is the night the lights are turned on at the Children's Garden Christmas and Kids' Walk in the Edisto Memorial Gardens.

Riverside Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic as guests walk through the gardens enjoying the beautiful sights. The sounds of the season will be abundant in Lusty Gallery with the Orangeburg-Wilkinson Concert Choir performing from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., followed by the Trinity United Methodist Men's Choir, which will perform from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Hot chocolate will be served in the Terrace Garden at the Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center.

For more information on the "Mayors' Festival of Wreaths and Trees 2007," call the arts center at 803-536-4074.

T&D Features Writer Candace Newson can be reached by e-mail at cnewson@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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