Festival Of Trees

Festival of Trees: A Festive Charity Event

The Festival of Trees is an annual charity event held around Christmas time in various cities across North America. These events aim to raise funds for local charities, often children’s hospitals, through the display and decoration of Christmas trees. The general format involves sponsors covering costs, designers decorating trees with elaborate themes, and the public visiting the event to view the trees and participate in activities like raffles and auctions to win the trees or other prizes. The funds raised can reach millions of dollars, depending on the size of the event.

History and Origins

The origins of the Festival of Trees can be traced back to the 1970s, with the Salt Lake City event being considered the “Grandma of all Festivals of Trees” since its inception in 1970. Over the years, these events have become more common across North America, with many cities hosting their own versions of the festival.

Event Structure

The typical structure of a Festival of Trees event is as follows:

1. Sponsors are obtained to cover costs such as advertising, venue rental, tree procurement, and program production.
2. Designers are engaged to decorate the trees, often with elaborate themes. Schools, clubs, and organizations may also participate in the decorating process.
3. The venue is opened to the designers to set up and decorate the trees.
4. The event is opened to the public, usually with an admission charge. Visitors can bid on trees or purchase raffle tickets for the trees or other prizes.
5. A black tie gala may be held for contributors and supporters, with presentations about the charity being supported.
6. The event receives significant local media attention before and during the public visitation period.
7. Additional attractions, such as children’s play areas, craft areas, and visits with Santa, may be included.
8. At the end of the event, purchasers of the trees arrange for pickup or delivery.

Fundraising and Impact

The funds raised through the Festival of Trees can have a significant impact on the supported charities. For example, the Salt Lake City event has raised millions of dollars over the years for Primary Children’s Hospital. In 2005, the Atlanta event covered an area of 150,000 square feet and the Detroit event covered 50,000 square feet, demonstrating the scale of these events.

Examples of Festival of Trees Events

Here are a few examples of Festival of Trees events held in different cities:

• Salt Lake City, Utah: The “Grandma of all Festivals of Trees” since 1970, held at the Calvin Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center until 2000 and at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy, Utah since then. The event features at least 800 trees, gingerbread houses, playhouses, and sweets, covering an area of 243,000 square feet.
• Seattle, Washington: The Seattle Festival of Trees raises funds for Seattle Children’s Hospital.
• Davenport, Iowa: The Quad City Arts Festival of Trees raises funds for Quad City Arts, a non-profit arts organization serving the region. The event includes a Macy’s-style helium balloon parade and is more than 20 years old.
• Knoxville, Tennessee: The Fantasy of Trees event, though named differently, is in the same line of annual events and benefits the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. The event has been held since 1986 and covers an area of 120,000 square feet.

FAQ

1. What is the purpose of the Festival of Trees?
   The primary purpose of the Festival of Trees is to raise funds for local charities, often children’s hospitals, through the display and decoration of Christmas trees.
2. How are the funds raised?
   Funds are raised through various means, such as admission charges, tree auctions, raffles, and sponsorships. Visitors can bid on trees or purchase raffle tickets to win the trees or other prizes.
3. Who participates in decorating the trees?
   Professional designers, as well as clubs, schools, and organizations, participate in decorating the trees. The trees are often themed, showcasing the creativity and talent of the designers.
4. What other attractions are typically included in the event?
   Additional attractions may include children’s play areas, craft areas, visits with Santa, gingerbread houses, playhouses, and sweets. These attractions add to the festive atmosphere and appeal to a wide range of visitors.
5. How long has the Festival of Trees been around?
   The origins of the Festival of Trees can be traced back to the 1970s, with the Salt Lake City event being the oldest, starting in 1970. Over the years, these events have become more common across North America, with many cities hosting their own versions of the festival.