To the editor:
For six weeks each year, the Carnegie Library Museum is transformed into a dazzling
wonderland filled with festive displays. This year we showcased 52 unique displays — two
more than our previous record in 2019!
The transformation began with handcrafted paper snowflakes adorning every window, thanks to the Perry Public Library. More than 75 volunteers dedicated their time and talents to deliver and create unique displays on site, supported by countless others working behind the scenes to craft ornaments, contribute to designs and provide critical assistance.
Participants included 19 businesses, five churches and eight organizations.
At the Carnegie, we use the term “trees” loosely, allowing participants’ imaginations to be
untethered. Of the 52 displays, 24 featured traditional trees in colors of green, white and navy.
Another dozen redefined the term “tree,” with designs of wood, metal, lighted blue flowers, yarn and a tree of mirrors topped with a disco ball. Other creations included a wooden ladder, stacked books, antlers on an elegant floor lamp, a floating tree suspended from above and a beautiful winter wonderland forest of white trees.
Kids’ creativity was also on display, with three trees adorned with hand-made ornaments — handprint reindeers, paper angels and decorated CDs. Additionally, 10 people shared
cherished family treasures with the community, including nativity sets with rich histories, Santas from the U.S. and around the world, nostalgic antiques, wooden sleighs with reindeer, carolers and a lighted holiday village set against a starry night backdrop.
The diversity of talent and humor was everywhere. Surprises included a decorated tea cart, bike chain garland, ballerina ornaments, a wide variety of amazing handcrafted ornaments too numerous to list, reindeer with pretzel antlers, a whimsical snowperson with plumbing parts, a gold-and-navy astrology-themed tree, Tylenol box ornaments and a calculator tape bow, toadstools crafted from Styrofoam cups and plastic bowls, jewelry trees, a pumpkin Olaf and so much more.
Congratulations to our popular vote winners this year:
1 st place: Little Loo’s Tattoos (a navy and gold astrology-themed tree)
2 nd place: 911 Communications (representing emergency dispatchers)
3 rd place: Becky Shelker (lighted holiday village)
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event a success. From the loyal supporter who donates her wonderful quilts for the raffle, to the city staff who light up the Carnegie’s handrails and to the staff of the Carnegie and the Perry Public Library — your support is appreciated. And thank you to the visitors who trek out in Iowa weather to enjoy the festival.
We’ll see you in November 2025 for our 11th festival. In the meantime, visit for the books, the architecture or the free exhibits and programs offered. Thank you!
Katie Schott and Laura Stebbins, Festival of Trees volunteer co-organizers
Perry