OMC Foundation Achieves Record Success at the 2025 Festival of Trees: A Boost for Local Tourism in Port Angeles, USA

Published on December 2, 2025

The Olympic Medical Center Foundation (OMC Foundation) is celebrating a monumental achievement at its 2025 Festival of Trees event. This year’s festival broke records, raising a total of $181,000, the highest amount in the fundraiser’s 35-year history. The annual event, which has become a staple in Port Angeles, Washington, not only supports the local healthcare system but also brings a considerable boost to the region’s tourism industry.

The Festival of Trees has consistently been a beloved holiday tradition in Port Angeles, attracting locals and visitors alike. This year’s event, which stretched from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving through the holiday weekend, featured an impressive array of activities, including the Opening Ceremonies, Teddy Bear Teas, a Senior Breakfast, and family-oriented days. The grand finale of the festival, the Gala, was particularly memorable, with the top-selling tree, “The Enchanted Ballroom,” designed by local artist Staci Politika, fetching an astounding $7,500. The success of this event marks not only a milestone for the OMC Foundation but also underscores the growing role that cultural and charitable festivals play in promoting local tourism.

The Impact of the Festival of Trees on Port Angeles Tourism

As a vibrant fundraising event, the Festival of Trees does more than just raise funds for the OMC Foundation—it plays a crucial role in boosting the local tourism economy in Port Angeles. This annual festival has evolved into a regional attraction that draws visitors from across the state of Washington and beyond, providing a perfect blend of holiday cheer and charitable giving. The influx of visitors during the festival supports local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and retail stores, which see increased foot traffic during the event.

The timing of the festival, coinciding with the holiday season, makes it an ideal opportunity for families and travelers looking to experience the festive atmosphere of Port Angeles. The town’s charming downtown area, with its scenic waterfront and welcoming atmosphere, becomes an even more desirable destination for tourists. The festival’s diverse range of events ensures that there is something for everyone, from families with children attending the Teddy Bear Teas to those enjoying the more sophisticated offerings at the Gala.

The family-friendly nature of the festival is another key factor in its success, attracting visitors who might otherwise not have considered Port Angeles as a vacation destination. With events like Family Days and the Senior Breakfast, the festival fosters a sense of community, while also showcasing the town as a family-oriented travel destination. The mix of cultural, charitable, and festive elements helps position Port Angeles as a holiday destination worth visiting, not only for the festival but also for other attractions such as the nearby Olympic National Park.

The Festival of Trees: A Reflection of Community Spirit and Charitable Giving

At its core, the Festival of Trees is about giving back to the community, and this year’s event was no exception. The funds raised will directly benefit the Olympic Medical Center, supporting healthcare programs, medical equipment, and services for the local community. The event has become a crucial fundraising platform for the OMC Foundation, and its success highlights the ongoing generosity of the people of Port Angeles and the surrounding areas.

The festival also provides an opportunity for local businesses and artists to showcase their talents. For example, Staci Politika, the designer behind the top-selling tree, “The Enchanted Ballroom,” is just one of many local artists who contribute their time and creativity to the event. By participating in such festivals, local artists and businesses gain exposure and recognition, further fostering a strong sense of community pride. This, in turn, contributes to the overall growth of the town’s cultural tourism scene, where visitors come not just for the event itself, but for the local art, culture, and history.

Expanding the Festival’s Reach: Attracting Out-of-Town Visitors

While the festival initially began as a local event, it has gradually expanded its reach, attracting visitors from out of town who are eager to experience the holiday charm of Port Angeles. Many visitors plan their trips around the Festival of Trees, incorporating it into their larger travel itineraries, which often include sightseeing in the surrounding Olympic Peninsula. The festival’s continued success will likely inspire even more visitors to explore the area, contributing to a boost in the region’s tourism economy year after year.

Port Angeles itself is increasingly being recognized as a hub for travelers seeking to explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The Olympic National Park, with its towering mountains, lush forests, and stunning coastlines, draws thousands of visitors annually, and the Festival of Trees provides an excellent reason to visit during the holiday season. By tying in cultural events like the festival with nature-based tourism, Port Angeles is able to offer a well-rounded experience for both adventure seekers and those looking for a more relaxed, festive atmosphere.

The Economic Impact of the Festival: Supporting Local Businesses and Infrastructure

The economic benefits of the Festival of Trees extend far beyond the OMC Foundation’s fundraising efforts. Local businesses in Port Angeles experience a noticeable uptick in sales during the event, from hotels and restaurants to retail shops and service providers. The increased demand for accommodations during the festival helps support the hospitality industry, which, in turn, helps boost the local economy.

In addition to the direct financial impact, the festival also creates jobs, both temporarily and seasonally. Event staff, security personnel, volunteers, and vendors all contribute to the operational success of the festival, and many of these workers are local residents. For visitors who come to the festival from out of town, the experience often leads them to explore other local businesses and attractions, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the Port Angeles tourism industry.

Moreover, the festival’s timing during the holiday season makes it an attractive proposition for travelers looking for seasonal festivities. As more people seek unique holiday experiences, Port Angeles stands to benefit by offering a combination of community-driven events, artistic displays, and charitable activities. This helps differentiate Port Angeles from other tourist destinations, positioning it as a holistic holiday destination with both cultural and natural attractions.

The Importance of Local Events in the Growth of Regional Tourism

Local events like the Festival of Trees are integral to the growth of regional tourism, especially in smaller towns like Port Angeles. These events offer visitors a glimpse into the heart of the community, showcasing the town’s commitment to charity, the arts, and the well-being of its residents. For tourists, these kinds of events present an opportunity to experience authentic local culture and traditions in a way that larger, more commercialized festivals may not provide.

By supporting such events, Port Angeles can continue to grow its tourism base, attracting visitors not only during the holiday season but also throughout the year. The success of the Festival of Trees is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives to bring people together, create lasting memories, and support important causes. As more visitors learn about the festival and its charitable impact, the festival’s reach and influence will only continue to expand, further elevating Port Angeles as a premier destination in the Pacific Northwest.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Festival and Its Tourism Impact

As the Festival of Trees continues to grow in popularity, its long-term impact on Port Angeles tourism will only become more pronounced. The OMC Foundation and local businesses will continue to benefit from the exposure and goodwill generated by this beloved event. In future years, the festival may expand to include even more activities, attracting additional visitors and further establishing Port Angeles as a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique combination of arts, culture, and natural beauty.

For now, the 2025 Festival of Trees stands as a resounding success, both for the OMC Foundation and the Port Angeles tourism industry. By drawing thousands of visitors and raising significant funds for local healthcare, the festival proves that local events can play a pivotal role in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of small towns. In doing so, it reinforces the idea that a thriving cultural scene, built on community support and charitable giving, is essential for sustainable tourism growth.