Festival of Trees making spirits bright for families in need
TEXARKANA, Ark. ( KTAL/KMSS ) – A Texarkana non-profit is working to raise funds while spreading joy this holiday season.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made has opened up their Festival of Trees at the Texarkana, Arkansas Convention Center.
"So we have 20 beautifully decorated Christmas trees, 14 of them were designed and decorated by designers in Texarkana, local designers, and we have six that actually came from Dallas." Catie Swenson, Executive Director of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.
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The designs range from traditional to turning the idea of Christmas tree decoration on its head.
"I hate to spoil the surprise, but there is an upside down tree." says Swenson, "It's beautiful, it's very elaborate. But we've got Texas Longhorns and just so many different options to choose from. So really, there really is something for everybody. When everybody comes in they're just amazed at the different looks that we have."
There are also events and classes for all ages, like painting for the kids and mixology for the adults. There is even an elf scavenger hunt.
"We have 18 little elves around. That's why some of the kids are running around looking for the elves." says Swenson.
It's all part of their efforts to support families of babies who have been in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
"When a family comes home from the NICU, they don't get that 24 hour nursing staff anymore. And then it's hard sometimes to just navigate what the journey looks like. So that for us to be able to stand in the gap a little bit more and give them some more resources." says Swenson.
Tree viewing is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Saturday when there will be a gala that gives supporters a chance to make their home Christmas decor special.
"There'll be a live auction and so it won't just be trees. There's actually some beautiful Christmas decor." says Swenson.
The festival is free to attend but tickets are needed to attend the gala. You can buy tickets and learn more about the activities being offered on their website .
