After more than 25 years in the Rogue Valley, the 2017 Providence Festival of Trees is reinventing itself to bring holiday joy to a new generation of children and families.
“The Festival of Trees is a beloved holiday tradition in the Rogue Valley,” said Katie Hutchinson, Executive Director of Providence Community Health Foundation. “We are proud of the event’s history, but we’re looking forward to putting a new spin on a favorite tradition.”
The Festival of Trees is known for its elaborately-decorated trees, lively holiday party, and the opportunity for local children to meet and take pictures with Santa. While the traditional favorites will still be featured, the 26th year of the festival aims to spark a new passion for the season in children, families and DIY decorators looking for new ideas to incorporate into their holiday traditions.
“We really want people of all ages to be inspired by what they see at this year’s Festival of Trees,” said Hutchinson. “Whether that’s inspiring kids at the brand new Children’s Store and teaching them the joys of giving, or acting as a real life Pinterest for families who are looking for ideas for their own trees at home.”
When visitors enter this year’s festival, they’ll immediately notice a renewed layout which makes it easier to see the details of each tree, while also enjoying the shows presented by members of the community. The experience will be enhanced by interactive snowflake displays, the popular Teddy Bear Hospital, and a new Children’s Holiday Store presented by Cascade Wood Products.
“Almost everything in the Children’s Store is priced below $5,” said Hutchinson. “That gives kids the opportunity to shop for their parents and siblings without having to spend all the allowance money they’ve saved up.”
The 26th annual Providence Festival of Trees is also honoring veterans and active members of the military for the first time this year. Saturday, December 2, the Verizon Foundation is providing free entry to veterans and members of the military with valid identification. On Friday, December 1, seniors ages 60 and over get in free thanks to Southern Oregon Orthopedics and on Sunday, December 3, all children 12 and under get in free thanks to Lithia Auto Stores.
The 2017 Providence Festival of Trees kicks off its 26th year with the benefit Gala Wednesday, November 29 and the Holiday Party Thursday, November 30. Tickets for both are available by calling 541-732-5193. Public viewing events are Friday, December 1 through Sunday, December 3. Tickets are available at the door for $5 per person ages 3 and over.