Winners Of 6th Annual North Fork Festival of Trees Chosen; Still Time To Bid On Silent Auction

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NORTH FORK, NY — The 6th Annual North Fork Festival of Trees unfolded on the North Fork this weekend — but there's still time to bid in the "Winter of Wonders" silent auction, to benefit the Center for Advocacy, Support & Transformation, or CAST.

"Your enthusiasm, creativity, and community spirit made this year truly unforgettable. But the fun isn’t over just yet!" event organizers said.

Participants have until 6 p.m. Monday night to bid in the silent aution.

"Explore an incredible selection of beautifully decorated trees, stunning wreaths, thoughtful gifts, and one-of-a-kind North Fork experiences," organizers said. "Tap on each tree, wreath, and item photo to see what’s included! Every bid directly supports CAST’s essential programs for families and neighbors across the North Fork and Shelter Island."

To bid, click here.

According to CAST, this year's winners included:

There was a tie for Judges’ Choice Best Tree Design, awarded to "The North Fork: The Place to Bee" designed by North Fork Buzz and "Cosmic Cowgirl" designed by the Outpost by touchGOODS. Judges’ Choice for Best Wreath Design went to "Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice" created by Clarke’s Garden & Home LTD.

The People’s Choice Best Tree Design winner was "Handmade For the Home" by the Daniel Gale Foundation, and People’s Choice Best Wreath Design was "Shuck the Halls, Toast the Gulls!" by Little Ram Oyster Co., organizers said.

The annual event, held at Treiber Farms in Peconic, is CAST's largest fundraiser; funds provide critical food relief and emergency assistance programs for struggling local residents

The family-friendly live and virtual event welcomes visitors to explore a winter wonderland of holiday magic marked by a festive presentation of locally designed trees and wreaths, live music, refreshments, holiday and handcrafted goods, and a silent auction of special experiences and high-value items.

"With the North Fork’s increasingly high cost of living combined with its affordable housing crisis and many community members underemployed or unemployed during the winter due to seasonal work, CAST is experiencing a significant increase in demand for food relief and emergency assistance for urgent needs that impact health and safety, including rent, electricity, gas/oil, and medical," CAST said.

CAST serves nearly 1,500 families on the North Fork and Shelter Island and expects to provide about 470,000 meals in 2025, representatives said.

CAST "relies on the continued generosity of the North Fork community to accomplish its critical work" ensuring food, housing and economic security, and overall family well-being to residents in need on the North Fork and Shelter Island, representatives said.

"This holiday season, as more of our neighbors turn to us for support, the Festival of Trees celebrates the compassion and strength of our North Fork community more than ever. Our work extends beyond the critical help that we offer local families and individuals in meeting their essential needs — it's also about reminding one another that no one is alone. Together, we can foster hope, reliance, and a deep sense of connection that unites us all," said CAST Executive Director Erica Steindl.

This year’s Festival of Trees presenting sponsor was Peeko Oysters.

"CAST is grateful for their generous support of this event and heartfelt care for the community," representative said.

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