In an effort to whisk away all the Scrooges in the area, Surry County Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) is inviting the public to join them for a community favorite, the annual Parade of Trees.

The event is set for Friday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Old North State Winery on Main Street in Mount Airy.

The winery is once again playing host this year for the event, which is a silent auction in which bidders can bid on one or more of the many decorated trees and wreaths.

Area organizations and businesses, and even individuals, decorate trees or wreaths to donate, many of which have a theme related to the donor.

Tamara Veit, director of Surry County SCAN, said the event is a community favorite that is being brought back after a little hiatus, and SCAN is seeking decorated, donated trees to participate in the parade.

“What we’re looking for are trees that are decorated any way people would like,” Veit said. “That can be non-profit organizations, retail businesses, trees celebrating cancer awareness or anything they like.”

She said that so far, SCAN has only received about 15 donated trees, but are hoping for several more before the event.

The trees received will be placed in the winery on Monday, and the public will be able to bid throughout the week.

“The final event is on Friday, the 30th,” Veit said. “It should be beautiful once we have all the trees on display.”’

Friday’s event will celebrate the holiday season with live music performed by local artists, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.

“The public can come to the event and help SCAN treat the problem of child abuse by bidding on a tree of their choice,” Veit said. “It should be a good time and a great way to get started with the Christmas spirit. We’re hoping to knock away all the ‘bah-humbugs.’”

SCAN works toward the prevention and treatment of child abuse, and any donation is always accepted. The group offers counseling and parenting classes as well as public education.

For more information about this year’s Parade of Trees, call Veit at 391-4122.

Reach Keith Strange at kstrange@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1929.