BYU-Idaho Radio · Idaho Falls Festival of Trees Goes Virtual
Virtual tours for the Idaho Falls Festival of Trees begin Nov. 16. The Idaho Falls Festival of Trees is a long-time tradition for many families in Idaho Falls. Typically, this festival includes dozens of trees, craft booths and even a surprise visit from Santa. This year, the event was made virtual for the first time in more than 40 years.
Mike O’Bleness has volunteered at the festival for 36 years. He said he first began volunteering after he discovered all the proceeds go toward helping individuals with disabilities.
“You know, I initially bonded with their cause that they have adopted over all that time. But then as I got to know the event, I saw what a great community tradition it was,” O’Bleness said.
Today, proceeds still go toward helping individuals with disabilities in Eastern Idaho through Development Workshop Inc., a local nonprofit.
Recently, O’Bleness became a board member and helped make some major decisions about this year’s event. With the event moved to an online platform, the board has focused on creating a virtual tour of this year’s Christmas trees, mini trees, wreaths and decorations.
“This year, we are really focusing on the beautiful trees and making a virtual tour available to everyone in eastern Idaho, and… across the United States,” O’Bleness said.
Virtual tours of more than 40 trees are available Nov. 16 to Nov. 20, at the event webpage or on the event Facebook page. The webpage also includes photos of the trees and information about who donated and decorated each tree. In-person tours for potential buyers can be scheduled on the webpage.
“They will be able to walk through the trees without any crowds, appropriately [socially] distanced, to look at the trees and talk with other volunteers at [Idaho Falls Festival of Trees] about purchasing a tree,” O’Bleness said.
To view the virtual tour, or to book an appointment to see the trees, visit dwinc.orgfestival-of-trees, or visit the Facebook page, Idaho Falls Festival of Trees.