Festival of Trees offers fun for all

The fourth annual Festival of Trees sponsored by the Spencer Regional Healthcare Foundation will be held at the Clay County Regional Events Center Nov. 13-15 with a Festival Tour of Homes on Nov. 15.

his event provides enjoyable activities for people of all ages, including a "Holiday Design Show," "Festival Luncheon," Morning with Santa," "Holiday Tour of Homes" and, of course, opportunities to view many splendidly decorated trees as well as festive tables and holiday displays.

"The Festival of Trees offers a great opportunity for people to start experiencing the wonders of the holidays," said Susan Zulk, a Festival of Trees committee member. "Proceeds from Festival events benefit the Spencer Regional Healthcare Foundation whose mission is to enhance healthcare services in our region. Our Festival funds focus on enhancing women's health services. In the past our Festival dollars have helped with the purchase of digital mammography and the creation of the new Women's Health Center."

Festival Viewing

Approximately 40 festively decorative displays will fill the Events Center Ballroom during the three days of the Festival. Displays include ornate trees, table settings and holiday vignettes. While several of the Festival events take place in this setting, times are also set aside for those who simply wish to enjoy viewing the trees. The entrance fee for Festival Viewing is $3 per person ($1 for children 2-12). Viewing hours are from 2-6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, and from 12-7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15.

"Anyone can participate in the festival," said Gerri Warner, a Festival committee member. "We have businesses, church groups, organizations and individuals planning some wonderful displays. It's a great way to get ideas or to simply come and experience some of holiday magic."

Holiday Design Show

A "Holiday Design Show" is slated for Thursday, Nov.13, from 5-8 p.m.

"We've added a new aspect to this year's Design Show which promises to be lots of fun," Zulk explained. "We will have four Creation Stations located throughout the ballroom where our guests can create different holiday items which they then get to take home with them. The Creation Stations will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m., then at 7 we will have two designers, Del's Garden Center and Tricia Wempe, each give demonstrations on how to create some wonderful holiday décor."

In addition to the demonstrations, guests can enjoy the festive displays, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, and will have the first opportunity to start bidding on unique holiday gift and decorating items featured in the silent auction. Tickets for the Holiday Design Show are $15 each and are available in advance and at the door.

Festival Luncheon

Need a break from your regular lunch routine? Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Festival of Trees displays and a delicious lunch consisting of Hearty Chicken & Wild Rice Soup; Mandarin Orange & Walnut Salad; Fresh Bread; and Dessert; with Cider & Coffee. The Festival Luncheon is a 'come and go' event on Friday, Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased no later than November 10th.

Morning with Santa

Kids and parents alike enjoy "Morning with Santa" which will be held Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9-11 a.m.

"Kids and parents both love this event," said Kim Smith, who coordinates the morning's events. "We'll have several clever holiday crafts for the kids to create. Farmers Bank and Medlar's Arts & Crafts Studio kindly helps sponsors the morning crafts and we really appreciate their generosity in supplying the items needed. Of course, the highlight of the morning is the visit with Santa and we again will take digital photos and our elves will get them printed and slipped into a frame so they can take them home."

A few of Santa's elves will be on hand to help children with their craft projects, take photos with Santa, provide each child with a temporary holiday tattoo, lead singing with Elf Karaoke, and send the children home with some delicious Snowman Soup. The ticket price is $5 per child. Adult supervision is required (no charge to accompanying adults).

Holiday Tour of Homes

The Holiday Tour of Homes is an extremely popular event. It will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. People will have the opportunity to enjoy a self-tour of five festively decorated homes in the Spencer area. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. This tour will feature the homes of:

* Brian & Deb Brodersen

* Karen Bogadi

* Nyle & Lynn Dotson

* Darin & Tricia Wempe

* Duane & Peggy Bates

Holiday Silent Auction

Attendees at any of the Festival events will have the opportunity to "shop" the charity silent auction throughout the three-day event.

"We always receive a wonderful array of holiday gift or decorating items," said Kris Van Berkum, Festival of Trees Committee member. "It's fun to see the various gift basket collections, items such as swags, centerpieces and wreaths as well as great gift items such as fitness membership, spa day and more."

Those who wish to participate in the auction will be encouraged to place their "best bid" for the silent auction item they'd like to take home.

Van Berkum added, "We encourage Festival-goers to remember this is a charity auction so please remember that winning bids all go to support our mission of enhancing local health care services."

The auction concludes Saturday evening at the close of the Festival.

Tickets Available

Tickets are available for all the events at the following locations: Del's Garden Center, Design Masters, The Hen House, and the Spencer Hospital Gift Shop.

Festival of Tree Committee members include Jennifer Feldmann, Tami Gilderhus, Suzi Harper, Shelly Helmink, Tori Rassmussen, Kim Smith, Mindy Sylvester, Gerri Warner, Kris Van Berkum & Susan Zulk.