November 23, 2016
WCHS’s Festival of Trees celebrates 10 years Wright County Historical Society’s free indoor event creates winter wonderland BY ANDREA KRINKE MONTICELLO TIMES There are few sights more magical than an elaborately dressed Christmas tree, and the Wright County Historical Society is lighting up the Wright County Heritage Center for a season of festive fun. The 10th annual Festival of Trees opens on Tuesday, Nov. 29, with a lighting ceremony and all the gifts of the Christmas season. “It’s just like a fairy tale, an indoor, magical, winter wonderland,” Business Manager Sally Stevens said. “The Festival of Trees is free, because this is our gift back to the community.”
The display of dozens of decorated trees will highlight Wright County businesses, organizations and families; participation is open to any interested individual or group, and the historical society is expecting some favorites in this anniversary year. “Let me tell you—these trees are going to be fantastic!” Stevens said. While the staff comes up with new ideas for trees each year – Stevens said spectators can expect some fun mannequin trees this season -- it is the fun competition from outside groups that really makes this event shine. “We are continuing our law enforcement category competition, which means that the Buffalo Police Depart-
ment, who won the inaugural trophy last year, will have a tree again this year, and so will the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, and so will the Minnesota State Patrol,” Stevens said, adding that the Buffalo Police Department has already sent in investigators to measure the ceiling height and to examine the electrical capabilities of the site. There will also be a “battle of the sexes” of sorts, with students from the Phoenix Learning Center working in gender-divided groups on their trees. “What’s fun about that is the heritage center had partnered with the learning center for many years, and then it stopped for a while and has been renewed this year,” Stevens said. She is
excited for the partnership to continue, and for students and visitors of all ages to take in the spectacle. “This event can be enjoyed by the very young, those who are older, people with disabilities, everyone,” Stevens said. “What we found is that, in the last couple of years, attendance has grown exponentially, and so, this year, we have even had calls for organizations interested.” She expects 1,200 people or more to view the trees during this holiday season.“Last year, there were 50 trees, and now it’s really taking off,” Stevens said. Continues on Page 3