ERIE (Erie News Now) – The 37th Annual Festival of Trees came to a close on Sunday evening at the Bayfront Convention Center, but crowds continued throughout the final day.
The Christmas spirit was in the air all weekend long with the Festival of Trees.
Christine Bowen, the Executive Director of Development Saint Vincent Hospital shared how the three-day event went, “It’s been phenomenal to see so many families coming through and enjoying the decorations.”
Adults and children could kick off the Christmas season by looking at 70 decorated trees, sponsored by local businesses, throughout the grand ballroom.
There was also crafts, cookies, and activities for children to enjoy. They could even pay a visit Santa Claus and his reindeer.
But volunteers said the best part was having people back to events in the City of Erie.
Kendra Ramey, a volunteer only signed up for the first day, but after enjoying it so much she came back to volunteer on days two and three.
She said, “It’s amazing to see the community together after such a hard time, it’s just amazing to see all these kids so happy just for something so simple but so meaningful for them.”
Families attending the event said that seeing some of these trees not only gives them decorating ideas but also gets them in the Christmas spirit.
Some families shared that this is a tradition for them to start the holiday season with the Festival of Trees.
Lisa Grassi and her son, Nicholas Grassi said, “We love to do this. Every year, I bring my children, my daughter and my son. This year, just my son is here because it kicks us off for the holiday season. We love to look at all the beautiful trees and all the activities, so it really gets you in the Christmas spirit.”
Erie News Now was a proud sponsor of the Festival of Trees.
Leave a Reply