Fourth Annual Festival of Trees a Success
The “Festival of Trees” at the Clearwater County History Center is fast becoming a destination during the holiday season. In its fourth year, the Festival of Trees held several special events during their extended holiday hours. In addition to viewing and voting on one’s favorite tree decorated by a community businesses, organizations or individuals, guests could choose to attend the festival during times when focused activities were being held. Activities such as a holiday porch pots class. A new option this year was “The Taste of Christmas” that included demonstrations and tasting of a variety of holiday goodies made by volunteers for guest to sample. Or attend during the night of joyous holiday music with the Clearwater Community Choir, or attend when Santa came to town one afternoon.
Following what was beautifully created the previous three years and wanting to expand to create more reasons for people to attend Denise took the lead with the help of many volunteers in organizing many of the events. The “Taste of Christmas”, a first time event, proved very successful. Over 60 guests walked through the Festival of Trees that day alone, sampling the various goodies, while voting on their favorite tree or visiting with friends they happen to see. An event likely to be repeated next year with different treats. Ideas are already swirling as to what could be made onsite and shared. Additionally, stepping up to arrange for the Community Choir to sing, and asking Ron to be the Santa for the fourth year, asking Dorothy and Janice to create a “Vintage Christmas” display case, asking the Basement Rosemaler to create a display in a case, and Al Paulson to display his nutcrackers. As well as arranging visits for the Fosston DAC and Cornerstone Senior Care and Cornerstone residents to visit. So beautiful to see their faces light up as they tour through the trees.
No matter which day one visited, refreshments such as coffee and cookies were on hand for everyone to enjoy. The hot chocolate bar was open for those who wanted could go downstairs and enjoy a a cup of hot chocolate of their own making. All this and so much more at no cost to guests. The only thing that had a small fee was a vote for one’s favorite decorated tree. Votes were $1 or a non-perishable food item.
It truly was a magical season filled with all things Christmas during the Fourth Annual Festival of Trees at the Clearwater County History Center.