Backyard Culture: Lights, cameras…trees?

I have been going to the Festival of Trees holiday fundraiser since I was a wee tot. Yesterday I took my six year old sister for her inaugural visit. She loved it, just like I did as a child, and just like children past and present loved it. The Festival of Trees is a Lawrence staple.

The Festival of Trees is the annual primary fundraiser for the Shelter, Inc in Lawrence. The Shelter provides emergency housing for children eighteen years and younger, and provides other services to juveniles and families. Anyway, the Festival of Trees is a giant silent auction of holiday trees and wreaths. Local organizations, clubs, and individuals create a themed tree or wreath. Even the LHS Art Honor Society and Geography Club participate! (good job guys!)

My favorite tree was probably the tree constructed entirely out of books by Friends of the Lawrence Public Library. Although I really liked the Lawrence Arts Center Preschool tree made up of plastic bottles and tennis balls. Those kids are far more artistic than I was as a four year old!

I would suggest the Festival of Trees to anyone who enjoys art, even if it is in tree form, and likes to contribute to charity. Maybe, it will become a tradition for you too.

xxx

Mara McAllister