VERO BEACH — A sure sign that the holidays are just ahead is the arrival of Christmas Tree Lane, the annual holiday boutique and cookie sale at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach.
Organized by the Presbyterian Women to benefit area charities, this year marks the 60th season for this much anticipated event which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free and all are cordially invited.
Attendees can expect an intriguing assortment of upscale gift items and stocking stuffers for early holiday shopping. The Unique Boutique will offer impressive selections both brand-new and nearly-new.
Handmade Treasures will feature a variety of one-of-a-kind items, including American Doll clothes. An Artisans’ Gallery will showcase the creative handicrafts of several local artists. There will be the ever popular jewelry pieces of Alice McKenna, stone jewelry by William Lund, hand-painted silk scarfs by Pat deRobertis, oil-candle lamps by Marsha Brizzie, and hand-carved wood items by Steve Franek.
To help jump-start holiday baking, offered again this year is the immensely popular Cookies-by-the-Pound, which lets shoppers pick and choose their favorites from a mouth-watering selection of homemade cookies. And what Christmas party would be without the fresh and delicious Louisville Pecans, including roasted salted, crunchy praline, and white chocolate covered. A limited number of other baked goodies will be available as well.
In the spirit of the event, First Presbyterian’s new Christian Life Center will be all decked out with lighted holiday trees, evocative of a tree-lined country lane magically touched by Christmas.
The day’s festivities will include a catered Ladies Luncheon by Wild Thyme of Vero Beach, with door prizes galore. Luncheon tickets are a non-refundable donation of $20 and must be purchased in advance by calling (772)-562-9088. No luncheon tickets will be sold at the door.
Thanks to the generous support of the community, Christmas Tree Lane is one of the Presbyterian Women’s most successful fundraisers. Last year’s event enabled donations to nine area charities including Harvest Food and Outreach Center, The Source, SafeSpace, Our Father’s Table Soup Kitchen, The Life Boat Project, Inc., Shining Light Garden Foundation, Florida Presbyterian Homes, Duval Presbyterian Home, and Thornwell Home for Children.
First Presbyterian Church is located at 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, just off Indian River Boulevard, with ample off-street parking.