Carnegie Festival of Trees grows to generous new heights

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The Hispanics United for Perry Christmas tree, inspired by traditional Mexican foods and designed by Cynthia Naranjo, was voted most beautiful tree of the 2018 Carnegie Library Museum Festival of Trees.

 

The Carnegie Library Museum 2018 Festival of Trees grew to new heights this year, overtopping 2017 totals in almost every category — from the number of entries at 46 to the number of dollars raised at $1,009.

“Thanks to each and every one of you for your participation in this community event that contines to grow!” said Laura Stebbins of Perry, who shares Festival of Trees organizing duties with fellow Carnegie volunteer Katie Schott. “It truly could not happen without each of you. Everyone plays a critical and unique role.”

Christmas tree huggers cast 323 votes in the 2018 festival, with the Hispanics United for Perry (HUP) tree, designed by Cynthia Naranjo, taking most-beautiful-tree honors with a full 15 percent of the votes cast. Becky Shelker’s Christmas Village and the Perry Fareway’s Christmas tree were neck and neck for second- and third-most votes.

Stephanie Hansen’s Nativity scene attracted the most donations. The sign on the display said, “Betty and Alan Hall’s Nativity Set. This set was made by Ramona Birdsell and given to the Halls as a gift from their church family.”

The HUP tree and the Nudgers’ town gown also attracted many generous donations, and Carnegie volunteer Linda Andorf’s thee handmade quilts were raffled off for $372, bring the annual fundraiser’s total to more than $1,000.

With 46 entries in 2018, the fifth-annual Festival of Trees has grown from the seedling planted in 2014, when 12 entries were recorded.

“Thanks, too, to Hometown Heritage for their support and staffing of this event as well,” Stebbins said.

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