It’s not yet Thanksgiving, but the trees were trimmed for the holidays on Saturday at Community Connections’ 13th Annual Festival of Trees.
Two rows of bedazzled firs sparkled with holiday lights and decorations at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s Grange Event Center, where dozens of community members entered to win their favorite.
Local businesses including Purgatory Resort, Durango Arts Center, Durango Brewery and Home Depot showed their support, donating about $700 in goods and services to a silent auction. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad also donated a train ticket.
Businesses and organizations each decorated a tree and decked it out with prizes, which the public can enter to win through December.
All proceeds benefit Community Connections, a regional nonprofit that benefits children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
“It’s a nice way to get out and help the community,” said Alexandra Rodriquez, a Community Connections board member and three-year volunteer.
Tara Kiene, president and chief executive officer of Community Connections, said in previous years, the public could browse the trees only on select weekends. This year, people can view the holiday decor at no charge through December any time the ticket office is open, and enter to win the decorations from the best dressed trees.
