[11/20/03]Organizers are hoping hundreds of people will gather around 29 trees this weekend at the Vicksburg Convention Center to raise money for law enforcement.

The second annual Festival of Trees, from 6 p.m. Friday to Sunday afternoon, will include activities for the whole family, said Annette Kirklin, executive assistant at the convention center.

Friday night events begin with the Tuxes ‘n’ Trees preview and gala and auction, where people will have the first opportunity to purchase Christmas trees decorated by area businesses and be able to bid on items donated for auction.

“Our goal is to sell all of the trees Friday night,” said Kirklin.

All profits from tree sales and the rest of the weekend’s events will fund Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, an event to recognize and help provide scholarships for those in law enforcement and their families who also plan to go into the field, said Carolyn Duren, who organized the group in April 2002.

“These guys will take a bullet for us,” Duren said. “If we didn’t have them, our lives would be pretty chaotic.”

Three officers from the Vicksburg Police Department and two from the Warren County Sheriff’s Department will be honored during the weekend events.

With 29 vendors selling crafts and other Christmas items at the convention center, Kirklin said shoppers will have many choices.

There will be plenty of entertainment, too. The optional black-tie gala will have food from 10 Vicksburg restaurants and businesses and a band from New Orleans playing jazz and other music.

About 100 of the $25 tickets for the event are still on sale, Kirklin said.

Saturday’s activities begin at 8 a.m. with Breakfast with Santa for children and the young at heart, Kirkland said. The pancake breakfast will allow children to sneak their Christmas lists to Santa, and with partial admission being a nonperishable food item, others may also have a better holiday season. Photos with Santa will also be available. Afterward, Saturday, regular admission begins at 9 a.m. for the festival, with entertainment throughout the day ranging from dance students to baton twirling to an Elvis impersonator.

In Santa’s Village, open throughout the weekend, Santa’s Mailroom, Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, the Reindeer Barn, the Elf Clubhouse and Santa’s Den will entertain children, Kirklin said.

Sunday, Silver Bells, a tea for seniors, will allow people to play “celebrity bingo” and win door prizes.

After working with about 300 volunteers to help organize the festival, Kirklin said she’s anticipating a great weekend for Vicksburg residents and visitors from Louisiana and other parts of Mississippi to enjoy.