The Festival of Trees was held November 20-22, 2015 at the Interstate Center. The festival is a family friendly event centered on raising money for The Baby Fold.

According to thebabyfold.org, over 10,000 people came through the event within the 3 days it was open.  Support for this event continues to grow due to the fact that 100% of proceeds go directly to local organizations.

Junior Danica Haney was a volunteer at the festival this year. She said, “I’ve worked the Festival of Trees in the past and will continue to because I love it! The Baby Fold is a great organization that was able to raise a lot of money in a few short days! Everyone should consider going in year to come. Who doesn’t love the Christmas music, pretty trees, and holiday spirit that this event brings?!”

The focal point of the festival is the donations of the decorated Christmas trees. Anyone is invited to decorate a Christmas tree and put it on display for people to walk by and enjoy. The trees are bid on throughout the course of the weekend and all money made goes into the final donation to Baby Fold.

Many families, such as junior Ali Reece’s, make the festival an annual outing: “I couldn’t imagine a year not going to the Festival of Trees. My favorite part has to be the iced Christmas cookies. Those are the best!”

Whether its cookies or Christmas trees, for 45 years the event has been a part of kicking off the holiday season. Since the first lighting of the trees, the organization has been responsible for raising an estimated 37 million dollars that go towards finding shelter, new clothing, and popular toys for kids in need during the holidays.