UTICA — The Easter Seals of LaSalle and Bureau counties will hold its second annual Festival of Trees presented by U.S. Silica from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 22 at Celebrations 150 in Utica. Vendors, sponsors, tree decorators and volunteers are currently being secured.
This year’s Festival of Trees will be an open house, family friendly-style event and will be free and open to the public. Elaborately decorated trees will be on display and available to bring home for $10 through a raffle. The event will feature performances throughout the day by local children, an Ugly Sweater Contest, a $1 raffle, a visit from Santa and door prizes. Free crafts, storytelling, book drawings and entertainment for children will be provided by Kiwanis Club of LaSalle-Peru.
“We are very excited to bring back the vendor fair and tree auction in a new, family friendly holiday event format,” said Susan Bursztynsky, president and CEO of Easter Seals of LaSalle and Bureau Counties. “Guests will have an opportunity to do some Christmas shopping with 50-plus local vendors, bring home a beautifully decorated tree, win some great prizes and have some fun with their children.”
Sue Manning of the Kiwanis Club of LaSalle-Peru said the Kiwanis Club is “excited to once again provide this community service. The club will provide crafts, storytelling and book drawings. We are partnering with Easter Seals to provide free, fun and educational activities for children at the Festival of Trees. We are happy to help Easter Seals and all the families they service in our community. There will be something for everyone at the Festival of Trees.”