VALPARAISO | American Red Cross Porter County Chapter hosts the second annual Festival of Trees set for noon to 8 p.m. today and Friday. Trees will be on display at Old town Banquet Center, 711 N. Calumet Ave. A live auction will also be held at 8 p.m. Friday and the winners can take home the tree of their dreams.

Also happening at the banquet center that afternoon from 4:30 to 7:30 Friday is the Choc-O-Lots, sponsored by Valparaiso Sunrise Kiwanis. There will be 17 different vendors with chocolate tastings and vendors. There will be chocolate candy, chocolate cake, hot chocolate, chocolate bars, auction items. With a ticket people can sample items. Tickets are $5. Chocolate-themed auction items will be available.

This is the second year for Festival of trees but the first year for Choc-o-Lots. This is the first year that the Red Cross has partnered with Kiwanis. Kiwanis money goes to Riley Children's Hospital diabetes research.

For information, call Mary Ann at (219) 462-7570.