Festival of Trees Provides an "Easy Button" for the Holidays

The Festival of Trees is a fundraising event for the Relay for Life, and is essentially an "easy button" for those looking to avoid the stress of the holidays. It's the only place in town where you can purchase a fully decorated tree or other holiday decorations and support a great cause at the same time.

The 11th annual festival was held this past Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20 and 21, at the Elks. Friday evening began with a casual performance by the GHS swing choir and included a prime rib dinner. The highlight of the night, however, was the live auction of trees and other items up for bid.

The committee in charge of the Festival of Trees was hoping for at least 40 entries. Needless to say, they were pleased with the 58 entries they eventually received. The majority of entries were Christmas trees, each with a theme and sponsored by a local business or private individual. Other entries included wreaths, centerpieces, and decorative holiday arrangements.

Some of the entries were heartfelt and dedicated to loved ones, while others were clever displays meant to generate some laughs.

The live auction began at the conclusion of dinner and winning bids ranged anywhere from $40 to $290. Auctioneer Brian Austin kept things moving with help from his wife, Angela, and relay committee member, Rod Karst. With some friendly bidding competition and persuasion from Austin, the auction earned a little more than $7000.

Saturday brought the festival to a close with an opportunity for the public view the entries before the winning bidders took them home. Attendees and sponsors both seem to enjoy the event and plans are likely already under way for next year's Festival of Trees.