Home for the holidays: 32nd Festival of Trees going virtual

The Kootenai Health Foundation is transforming this year’s Festival of Trees to a virtual experience. The 32nd Annual Festival of Trees will take place Friday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Nov. 29.

Kootenai Health Foundation President Julie Holt said one of the highlights each year is bringing people in our community together to kick off the holiday season.

“But this year, we feel it is not wise to bring hundreds of people together in the middle of our current public health situation,” she said. “The safety of our dedicated festival-goers, community partners, sponsors, volunteers and staff has always been and will remain our primary concern.”

Staff and board members at the Foundation have been working hard to plan a festival the community can participate in from the comfort of their own homes. They are transforming favorites from the traditional event and coming up with new activities.

“This year our 32nd annual festival will look a little different, but we’re confident that Festival of Trees will continue to be a great kickoff to the holiday season for our community,” Holt said.

The Festival of Trees is the area’s longest-running holiday event and is the largest fundraiser for the Kootenai Health Foundation. Proceeds support the growth of services and facilities at Kootenai Health, a community-owned hospital. Since its inception, donors helped build and expand cancer, heart, neonatal, rehabilitation, intensive care and emergency services.

This year, proceeds will support the Foundation’s Health Care Heroes fund. The costs associated with COVID-19 have been, and will continue to be significant. The needs of patients, caregivers and the hospital continue to grow.

"Now, more than ever, the support from our community is important," a press release said.

Info: kh.org/festival