Festival of Trees kicks off 59th year in Idaho Falls

IDAHO FALLS – The 59th annual Festival of Trees got underway at the Elks Lodge in Idaho Falls Monday afternoon.

The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce kicked off the festivities with a ribbon-cutting. Santa Claus even made an appearance.

The theme for this year’s event, which continues through Friday, Nov. 21, is “A Storybook Christmas.” Cheryl Arrington-Kincaid, president of the Festival of Trees Board of Directors, tells EastIdahoNews.com the theme was inspired by memories of the Christmas stories she and others told their kids when they were growing up.

“As we (the Board) talked about those stories, we thought it would bring such a magical element to our celebration,” Arrington-Kincaid says.

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More than 45 trees are on display this year, all of which are for sale. Mantel pieces and door displays are also for sale.

The proceeds from the event benefit Development Workshop, Inc., a nonprofit that provides employment and skill training for people who are disabled.

Other attractions at Festival of Trees include a Craft Boutique in the basement. It features work from local artisans. Local bands and singers will be performing every half hour each day of the event.

Those who attend can also visit Santa’s Gift Shop and talk to Father Christmas himself. Food, desserts and other items are available in the Festival Cafe. There are also raffle prizes and a bakery for patrons to check out.

Arrington-Kincaid says between 500 and 1,000 volunteers work to host this event every year. She’s excited to be involved with the festival.

“We’ve doubled the number of vendors (from last year),” she says. “We welcome the community to come and support us. We have wonderful entertainment and Santa will be here all week. Come enjoy and get your minds in the Christmas spirit!”

Festival of Trees began as a fundraiser for the now-defunct Sacred Heart Hospital in 1966. It’s been a fundraiser for Development Workshop since 1985.

The mission of Development Workshop is to assist individuals who have a disability or who are disadvantaged to recognize and to achieve their chosen level of economic and social independence.

Funds raised from Festival of Trees will be dispersed throughout the coming year in various community programs and causes.

“We want to make sure they have a full life and so whatever (amount) of funds we raise from this festival, we make as large a donation as possible to provide some of their needs,” says Arrington-Kincaid.

Those interested in buying a tree can bid on it throughout the week or purchase it at the listed “Buy it Now” price. The trees will be delivered to the highest bidder Saturday morning. More information is available at the tree sales table at the event.

“We do have some folks who will donate a dollar amount to sponsor a tree. We have others that will just decorate a tree and some will do the whole thing — donate the funds and decorate it,” Arrington-Kincaid says.

Festival of Trees runs until 9 p.m. Monday and continues every day through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cost of admission is $5 for kids ages four to 17, $6 for adults and $4 for those 60 and up.

A schedule of entertainment is listed on the Development Workshop’s website. You can also sign up to volunteer or donate baked goods. Additional information is on the Facebook page.

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