The Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation will put on its annual holiday tradition when the foundation presents its “Festival of Trees,” which opens Friday.

The festival runs both Friday and Saturday. On Friday, it runs from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and from10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Admission is $3 and free for children 12 and younger.

The festival will end with a private gala Saturday, which is sold out.

Proceeds from the festival go to the foundation to benefit the hospital.

Kim Uphoff, the vice president for development for the foundation, said the funds would go toward hospital innovation and the foundation’s Healthy Kids Initiatives.

Uphoff said the festival began 14 years ago as a way to celebrate the season.

“It certainly is a way to make a difference in the lives of others and spread generosity,” she said. “It is also a way to raise funding for our future campaign.”

The festival has a variety of elements, including musical performances, a silent auction, a raffle and a live auction at the gala.

The live auction will have 32 items, including 11 large decorated holiday trees, decorated wreaths and other items.

Despite being auctioned off on Saturday, these items will be on display during the whole festival.

Uphoff said there would also be a raffle and multiple vendors selling holiday décor.

“We will be selling 2-foot table-top trees, and ‘Packages with Pizzazz,’ which have different gift items in them,” Uphoff said. “People can also buy raffle tickets and put them in jar for the item they most hope to win.”

All of the items in the auctions and raffle have been donated, and all of the trees are decorated by volunteers, which the foundation calls designers.

“They also pay for the different items on the tree or wreath, which are sold with the tree or wreath.” Uphoff said.

She said some of the tree designers have been a part of the festival since it originated, while others are new each year.

The festival will feature 14 different music groups, all which have donated their services. Groups to be featured include the Charleston High School Advanced Chamber Ensemble, the Charleston Middle School Show Choir and local musicians.

Uphoff said children would also have the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa Claus from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Amy Wywialowski can be reached at 581-2812 or alwywialowski@eiu.edu.