A big thank you to the Albert Lea community for their participation and kind comments on the Festival of Trees: All That Glitters is Golden, which recently concluded at Northbridge Mall.

The festival has truly been a community event with preschoolers to seniors participating in both the decorating and the viewing. Approximately 30 groups and individuals decorated, and 1,700 viewed the display. We thank each and everyone who made this festival possible including Northbridge Mall who generously provided the space and accommodated all our needs. Lynn Lair’s trees were gorgeous and a highlight.

Such an event as this is accomplished only through many volunteer hours of planning and work in the set up and take down. Hard working committee members were Marty Shepard, Grace Skaar, Lu Callstrom, Joyce Nixon and myself. Janelle and her crew from Sentenced to Serve were indispensable. The open house was totally festive with Luverne Waldheim’s band and a wonderful array of food from Mrs. Gerry’s and Cedar Valley Services. We especially thank all our volunteer gallery sitters who have welcomed viewers this past month. They were Watanye Club, Tiffany Chrz, Annie Schlecht, Lu Callstrom, Grace Skaar, Joyce Nixon, Peg Shelton, Shirlie Brownlow, myself, Diane Westland, Ann Oliphant, Mary Ferleman, Joyce Purdy, Carol Wolter, Diane Landaas, Dorothy Peterson, Deb Cooper, Joan Slen, Arline Richter, Carol Frydenlund, Barb Lang and Marin Ring.

From the comments received, it was bigger and better than ever.

Our viewers wrote, “Total display is outstanding. I can’t choose a favorite,” “This is a great place (Northbridge Mall),” “All are winners.”

 

Donna Widenhoefer
festival committee member

Albert Lea