BY STEVE SMEDE
READY TO FILL YOUR HOME WITH THE PINE-FRESH SCENT OF YULTIDE CHEER?
Few icons shout the reason for the season better than the venerable American Christmas tree. Here in East Idaho, some family traditions will beckon you to the high country where you can cut down your own. Other family traditions (or maybe just general laziness) will beckon you to a local retail outlet for a plastic 20-piece tree-in-a-box. Either way, getting your mitts on the tree is only half the battle, because you’ll still need to decorate the thing.
But what if you could pick out a one-of-a-kind, pre-decorated tree to adorn your home, and then have the proceeds of your purchase go directly to a charitable cause?
If this opportunity rings your sleigh bells, you’re not alone.
The 56th edition of an Idaho Falls tradition kicks off on Monday, Nov. 14 at the Idaho Falls Elk’s Lodge #1087. With this year’s theme of “Winter Wonderland,” festivities begin with a VIP Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting, followed by a public opening at noon.
“Along with the beautifully decorated Christmas trees, mantelpieces and door displays, many favorites will be back including entertainment by local groups, craft booths and the famous Festival Cafe & Bakery,” notes the 2022 event announcement. “Everyone is invited to attend and even encouraged to purchase the fully decorated trees donated by local individuals, groups and companies.”
As in years passed, all of the proceeds benefit persons with disabilities in the greater Idaho Falls area through the Development Workshop and its mission of assisting individuals who have a disability (or who are disadvantaged to recognize and to achieve their chosen level of economic and social independence).
This year’s festival at the lodge (located across the street from Pinecrest Golf Course at 640 E. Elva St.) runs through Friday, Nov. 18. Hours are 12-9 p.m. on Monday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. According to organizers, volunteers are welcomed and needed.
For more information, visit www.dwinc.org/festival-of-trees or “Idaho Falls Festival of Trees on Facebook