The Festival of Trees returned to the Event Center for the second year in a row, raising funds for the local schools and giving merchants and visitors alike another option for Christmas gifts.

Trees, wreaths, and centerpieces were sponsored by a number of local individuals and organizations for silent auction.  International Cultural Exchange Services, Mandi Hess, Julie Colten, Nell J Redfield Memorial Hospital, Wood Flowers by Stephanie Jones, Charlene Chambries, Kirk Smith, Northern Title Company, Edith’s Collective, Mark John Farms, and others all donated items for auction. 

Mandi Hess, who organized the festival this year, explains, “The Festival of Trees is a fun event to raise funds for our community. The last two years we have designated the raised funds to our schools’ music departments. Last year we donated to the Middle/High school, and this year we will be sharing the funds with the Elementary. 

We love being able to provide an event that allows local and non local small business owners to get their name out there. By being able to promote their business through the goods they sell and connecting with people. 

As the Malad Area Chamber of Commerce continues with the Festival of the Trees starting in 2024 we are looking forward for other organizations and businesses to help out in our local community. 

There are many reasons people donate trees, wreaths, center pieces and other decor items. One being in the memory of a loved one. Historically organizations would do a Festival of Trees events to help provide funds for specific areas of medical research or to help a specific family who has been affected by a medical diagnosis. Throughout the years the event has evolved with each organizer and the needs of their area. 

We hope to continue to grow this long-lost tradition that Malad has always supported.”

Participating in the Festival of Trees as vendors were Autumn Mello from Color Street and Quality Budget Knife; C&D Woodworks with Clint and Dawn Lloyd; Kelle Kelly Popcorn with Bruce and Kelle Kelly; Mystic Peacock with Ada Marie Campbell; Absolute Design with Kim Origer and Ashley Allgood; Mad Hatterist with Cindy Whitworth; Lush and Plush Soap with Melissa Bell and Brooklyn Day; Campin Cowgirl with Kelly Sugihara; Malad Legion Auxilliary; Luann’s Woodworks with Tim and Luanne Tucker; Pink Sun with Ady Hoth; Rockin DB Woodworking with Doug and Teresa Brummett; Jumpin’ High with Steven and Mitzi Hess; Recycled Wood and Wool with Jo Lynne John; Teresa Stromberg; Scentsy with Emily Sweeten; Two Hearts Printing with Stacy Burton; Wood Flowers by Stephanie Jones; Malad Tumblers with Ashley Davis.