|
Taos Annual Festival of Trees and
Wreaths Helps Those Who Help Others 2009
The annual Festival of Trees and
Wreaths is all about community giving — a silent auction
that benefits those most in need — wrapped up in holiday
cheer. For the annual event, area businesses decorate
wreaths and trees in honor of a favorite area nonprofit.
The event takes place at the El Monte Sagrado Resort and
Spa. Friday, December 4, 2009, 6-9 p.m.
“Over the years, the Festival of Trees and Wreaths has
become one of the largest family-oriented holiday
traditions in Taos County,” said Chris Baker, publisher
of The Taos News, sponsor of the event. “The event — now
in its ninth year — has raised more than $200,000. This
year’s goal is $25,000.”
Sponsors also include El Monte Sagrado Resort, which has
taken a leading role; the Town of Taos; Taos County
Chamber of Commerce; Museum Association of Taos; Taos
Community Foundation; Twirl Toy Store and Activity
Center; and Walmart.
“Taos is a town dedicated to bettering the lives of
those who call it home,” said Michael Cerletti,
Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department.
“Community leaders who seek creative ways to keep Taos a
vital community with events, such as the Festival of
Trees and Wreaths, are to be commended.”
“I wanted to find a holiday event that would let local
businesses get involved with nonprofits and help educate
the community on what these wonderful organizations do
for Taos and Northern New Mexico,” Baker added.
Joanne Crass, The Taos News’ advertising manager,
handles everything from ordering trees to seeing that
they are set up the morning after Thanksgiving to
coordinating the decorating party. For Crass, the best
part of this job is sitting down afterward to view the
finished wreaths and trees. “It is so awe-inspiring to
look around at the efforts of all the community,” she
said. “It brings out the child in you.”
The holiday creations remain in place through the week
so bidders can view them at their leisure. Bidding
closes 8 p.m. on the night of the festival, when the
celebration kicks into high gear with hors d’oeuvres and
wines amid music by Jimmy Stadler. Door prizes are given
away every 20 minutes. Winning bidders may keep the tree
or wreath, give it away or donate it to Community
Against Violence, which will see that it goes to a needy
family in the Taos area.
Admission is $20 per adult; children are free. All
admission proceeds go to the Museum Association of Taos
to support its educational programs.
For more information contact The Taos News,
505-758-2241, publisher@taosnews.com
|
|
