The Blank Children’s Hospital Festival of Trees and Lights is always a test of my ability to endure too many humans attempting to view the same thing at the same time.
Please move so the beautiful tree is in my picture and not you. Please have your conversation to the side and not right in the middle of the high-traffic area. Is there a parent that comes with this child? I’m guessing your lawn mower is smaller than that stroller you’re pushing.
It’s a bit like the Iowa State Fair but with coats, twinkles and glitter. But, alas, I usually decide to test my patience for the reward of the beautiful, creative trees.
The Blank Children’s Hospital Festival of Trees and Lights is on display at Veteran’s Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center through Sunday, Nov. 29.
In addition to the forest of glittery trees, there are trees available through silent auction, bakery items, entertainment, various children’s activities, a train for the kids, various gift items for purchase and the ever popular Santa.
Tickets are $5, and the event hours are 1-7 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. This event is the main fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital.
On your way to or from Des Moines, don’t forget your local and less stressful opportunities to experience beautifully decorated trees and wreaths at the Dallas County Hospital through Sunday, Nov. 29 and at the Carnegie Library Museum on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday s from1-4 p.m. through Dec. 20, with special hours Friday, Nov. 27 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Silent auction funds for the DCH trees and wreaths support the Dallas County Hospital Foundation. Votes (monetary donations) for your favorite tree at the Carnegie Library Museum support educational programming and exhibits at the Carnegie and help to ensure events remain free and open to all.
In addition, there’s one tree at the Carnegie decked out in homemade ornaments from book pages. This tree is up for auction, and the proceeds will support the Friends of the Perry Public Library.
Many beautiful decorations to enjoy. Many decorating ideas to steal. Many creative ideas at which to marvel. Lots of worthy causes to support.
On the other hand, if trees are not your thing, there is a lot to explore at Vet’s, from the war memorial exhibits to the exhibits of the history of Vet’s itself, including memorabilia of many of the concerts held there over the years. The $5 ticket price to see Neil Diamond in 1972 is notable.
The Festival of Trees in Des Moines has a lot to offer for a good cause and a reasonable $5 ticket fee, but for stress-free and cost-free parking, free admission and the fellowship and camaraderie experienced by bumping into friends and family versus wall-to-wall strangers, our own venues here in Perry are less a test of one’s patience, and that’s a good thing during the holiday season.
So experience Perry and its beauties, and bring your friends and family.
And the same can be said of the Festival of Trees at the Carnegie. If your taste does not turn to holiday decorating, there are permanent exhibits in the Carnegie sure to be of interest.
