The Festival of Trees returns for its 60th annual celebration this holiday season.
The Festival of Trees in Idaho Falls, hosted by the DWI, or Develop Worth Independence, is the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser of the year. Held at the Elks Lodge in Idaho Falls, it gives local families a chance to enjoy the holiday season and create memories, all while supporting a great cause.
Tim Sopalski is the DWI Foundation director. He says the inspiration behind this year’s theme, “Timeless Traditions,” is what people do when they gather for the holidays.
“What is it that really brings people together during the holidays?” Sopalski asked. “What is this season all about? It’s about coming together and our traditions. That’s really what inspired the theme, just being able to say, ‘Look, we all have our different traditions. Some people go Christmas caroling. Some people go look at Christmas lights.’ We just wanted to say ‘It’s timeless.’ The Festival of Trees is something you can go to every year and have a different experience every single time.”
There are plenty of amenities at the festival this year. Among them are a café, bakery, Santa’s workshop where children can purchase inexpensive Christmas gifts for their family, performances by dance teams, pictures with Santa, a basement boutique and more.
While all of these things were available last year as well, this year will feature bigger decorations and a new Santa arrival.
Sopalski says one goal every year is to keep costs as low as possible so more people can attend the festival.
“The reality is, as the economy is going through whatever it’s going through, there are some families that we want to have come and have those experiences, and that’s what this year is all about,” Sopalski said. “I’ve had people tell me, ‘We’ve been going to Festival of Trees as a family for years.’”
DWI hosts the event. It’s a nonprofit organization that helps people with disabilities and special needs to develop independence and gain life skills through employment opportunities. They have several locations, including one in Rexburg.
Sopalski says the festival is a great opportunity for volunteer service and holiday fun.
“People are looking for a way to impact others, and the reality is you don’t have to have a lot of money to make a difference,” Sopalski said. “Sometimes the most valuable thing you can give is a few hours of your time. Being able to have someone come and give of their time is a big deal for us. If you’re going through a hard time right now and just need a little bit of an uplift, this is a way to do it. When you walk in, you won’t be able to help but smile.”
The 60th Annual Festival of Trees will take place at the Elk’s Lodge in Idaho Falls from Monday, Nov. 16, through Friday, Nov. 20. An official ribbon cutting and Santa’s arrival will take place Monday at noon.
For more information, including tickets, times and volunteer opportunities, visit DWInc.org or search ‘DWI Idaho Falls Festival of Trees’ on Facebook.