2019 Festival of Trees

PHILIPSBURG - The 2019 Festival of Trees was held Saturday night at the Ranch at Rock Creek. The night was a fundraiser for the Granite County Medical Foundation, which helps provide medical services for the residents of the county.

Fifteen trees were created by various groups and businesses this year, with each including special presents and extras that helped drive the bidding.

The auction raised $18,300 for the GCMF.

NOTE - This story has been updated with the auction prices for each tree.

1. Cast a Flying Star – By The Highway Ones: Krista Johnson, Shelley Johnson, Nanci Moore, Maddy Mason, Patrick Little Sponsored by DCT Enterprises (Sunshine Station/White Front)

Wade into the holidays telling Granite County fish tales beside a tree crafted from fishing rods, swivels and ornaments inspired by a reel love of Christmas. Open Santa’s creel to discover fly fishing books, a net (worth $120) and a 2-person float trip with Grizzly Paw Outfitters LLC (worth $550) to enjoy once the snow melts. (Valid for 2020 season on upper Rock Creek or other river. Includes rods, reels, flies, instruction, lunch, snacks and NA beverages.)

Auction Price - $1,200

2. A Tree of Many Shoes – By The Wetsch Family: Shawn & Toby Wetsch, Joy & Ron Wetsch Sponsored by Angelo Cattle Company

The tree that keeps on giving year-round; Western and rustic for inside or outside. All the horseshoes provided by William Dingwall Co. Includes a heart, star, pumpkin, turkey and snowman all out of horseshoes and a basket of wine & liquor.

Auction Price - $550

3. Sled into the Holidays – By Team Hope: Shannon & Larry Martell, Nancy & Wayne Yates Sponsored by The Philipsburg Rotary

Sled into the holidays with this delightful whimsical alternative tree. It has a glow of Christmas and the twinkle of a snowy day.

Auction Price - $400

4. A Vintage Christmas Party – By Vintage 46 Trading Co.: Holly Graybeal, Jessica Yakos, Sarah Suthers, Jamie Parke, Sally Yates Sponsored by Monida Healthcare Network

Host the holidays in classic style with this vintage Christmas party table. Your guests will enjoy the timeless party setting on a refinished antique table, an oversized retro-style bottle brush tree, vintage décor, and delicious treats! Includes: table, bottle brush tree, punch bowl & cups, basket of treats and table decorations.

Auction Price - $300

5. A Cowboy Song of Ice and Fire – Created & Sponsored by The Ranch at Rock Creek: Ashley Atkinson, Andy Atkinson, Candace Sellman, Cat Johnson, Christina Wernikowski

Winter is coming…clad in tooled white leather, wrapped in belts, and alight with fire and ice. Stay as warm as dragon’s breath with a nip of whiskey served from your custom Whiskey Leatherworks whiskey tote and flask, or serve it as cold as a white walker with whiskey stones and rocks glass. Also, includes a two-night stay for two at The Ranch at Rock Creek (value $6,000 – some restrictions apply).

Auction Price - $2,400

6. The Star Tree – By the Rock Creek Ladies: Barbara Clark, Debbie Rask, Kayla Sanders & Virginia Gallagher Sponsored by Discovery Ski Area

Dreaming of a white Christmas outside under the stars. Take some time to enjoy the seasons, snuggle up and do some serious star gazing and perhaps you will see a star shining in the east. Includes: handmade throw quilted by Ginny Gallagher, wooden bench by Barbara & Larry Clark, 2 galvanized wash tubs, 1 painted tub w/ candles and a star book.

Auction Price - $1,450

7. Snow Place Like Home – By Half Dozen of the Other: Jodi Oberweiser, Bridgette Oberweiser, Nicol Rasor, Katie Grutsch, Micki Crews & Taylor Wagner Sponsored by Skyview Property Owners + The Griffins

Bring holiday cheer from door to door, season to season, the whole year through. Materials sponsored by A Matter of Communication Speech Therapy. Includes hand-painted items by Bridgette Oberweiser, wreaths by Colleen Norbeck and Garden City Floral, overnight stay at the Caledonia, a tray of warm, tasty treats for caroling, gifts from Nicol Rasor Real Estate, and 2 season tickets to the 2020 St. Timothy’s Summer Music Festival ($150) courtesy of Skyview Property Owners + The Griffins.

Auction Price - $750

8. Montana Dreaming – By Vintage Pickers: Karen Pagett, Penny Hurley & Lesley Fickler Sponsored by Gem Mountain

The children were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of a “White Christmas” danced in their heads. Decorations sponsored by Fickler Oil.

Auction Price - $700, then donated back and auctioned again for $650

9. Imaginations Gone Wild – By Mistletoe Misfits: Wendy Bowen Mueller & Gary Mueller, Shane Grover, Becky Hanson, Paris Grover Sponsored by Granite Pharmacy

A tree that is round and full of lights that sparkle like the snow on a clear full moon night. Then you add a new idea from your imagination and the old concept of homemade gifts so your imagination can go wild.

Auction Price - $750

10. A Seasonal Twist – By McDonalds and Friends: Ruth McDonald, Alexandra McDonald & Jeani Adams, Terri Phelan Sponsored by Huffman Grocery

Twirl your way into the season with this beautiful, handcrafted tree. This unique piece can be admired year after year with its eye-catching, twisting “branches” and pop of color.

Auction Price - $1,250

11. Another Best Day – By The Lyons Family: Tricia Lyons & Scott Lyons Sponsored by Rock Creek Land and Cattle Ranch LLC

After another best day on the slopes, cozy up next to the fire with your sweetheart and enjoy the warmth of the indoors. Includes: 2 nights’ stay with Sapphire Sleepovers in Philipsburg; 5 day ski pass at Discovery Ski Area; Dinner for 2 Bricks Pub; 2 nights’ stay with Cabins at Rock Creek; All day float trip for 2 by Montana Drifter Outfitters.

Auction Price - $1,500

12. Nostalgia – Created & Sponsored by Blackfoot: Marilee Klaudt, Michelle Owens & Cyrus Bowman

Every adult carries within them the magic of their childhood Christmases, and seeks to pass that magic on to the little ones in their lives. Blackfoot’s tree pays tribute to the memories that made childhood Christmases bright; the tree features vintage elements evoking feelings of nostalgia while bringing Christmas to a new generation.

Auction Price - $700

13. Artists’ Tree – By Camp Martini: Colton Martini, Chelsea Martini, Jayne Piazza, Shannon Alt Sponsored by the Philipsburg Brewery

Consecutive steel rings suspend from a sturdy armature mimicking the subtle movement of forest. Adorned with hand-crafted ornaments created from felted wool, stained glass, fabricated brass, selenite crystal, carved wood, and a multitude of materials found in nature; this sculpture creates a modern take on the traditional Christmas tree. Includes: Behring Made handcrafted knife, Camp Martini Design Consultation, Deer Statues, James Corwin Limited edition print, C. Martini Custom Antler Jewelry, Mandy Mohler Nordic Skier Print, Quinns Hot Springs gift card, Mungas Company Apparel, Drink Montanably swag, Jayne Piazza custom paintings. ($2,685 total value)

Auction Price - $2,200

14. Whimisical Wonder: By Whimsical Whinos: Donna Shewey, Charity Theriault, Ali Dahlson, Lacy Demers, Billie Kulaski, Gen Kulaski Sponsored by The Silver Mill

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the valley, not a flower was blooming, not even a holly. The village was nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of flora danced in their heads.

Auction Price - $1,600

15. Nature’s Gift Wreath – By Cabin Creek Girls: Heidi MacDonald, Mary Frank, Bailey Scott, Addy Scott, Leslie Dybdal Sponsored by Milodragovich, Dale & Steinbrenner PC

Sticking with tradition, this large rustic wreath is handmade of foliage, twigs, herbs, flowers and local plants. Complete with two door-size Christmas pine wreaths, homemade jams, pickles, breads and cookies.

Auction Price - $2,100