Greeley’s beloved Festival of Trees is still on this year, even if things look a little different
By Kelly Ragan
As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, we all need something to look forward to. Thankfully the City of Greeley’s Festival of Trees is still on this year – even if it is reimagined.
According to a city news release, all the important aspects of the festival will remain with some creative twists.
Here’s what you can expect.
Outdoor Activities
Patrons can expect live evergreen wreaths for sale with an opportunity to adorn their wreath with some festive holiday bling, according to the news release. Christmas pies and Christmas tamales will also be for sale with pick up the week of Christmas. A coffee trailer offering specialty coffees, ciders and hot cocoa will be stationed outside.
New for 2020: Watercolor & Wine Event
Participants can enjoy an evening with friends or that special someone at the Union Colony Civic Center’s Watercolor & Wine event from 7-9 p.m. Friday, December 4, 701 10th Ave.
Colette Pitcher, owner of Showcase Art Center in Greeley, will facilitate this event on the Monfort Concert Hall stage. Each ticket holder will receive an individual holiday themed watercolor kit that includes both a Christmas ornament and a holiday greeting card, individual glasses of wine (limit two per person) and individually plated finger foods to meet CDC recommendations for safety.
Volunteers Needed
Want to spread a little Christmas cheer? The Festival of Trees needs volunteers.
Positions include ticket takers and tent event volunteers to sell carriage rides, pies, tamales, and wreath “blingers,” according to the news release. Festival organizers ask for a 3.5 commitment per volunteer shift for those ages 14 years and older.
Volunteers will need to complete a waiver and pass a background check before participating. Training will take place 30 minutes before the volunteer shift. To become a volunteer festival elf, please email Special Event Coordinator Andrea Haring at andrea.haring@greeleygov.com
Will you have to wear a mask?
Don’t be a Grinch. Event organizers ask that visitors to the festival wear a face mask to festival events – especially indoors ones, to comply with statewide mandates. Facility lobbies, Monfort Concert Hall, restrooms, and high touch surfaces will be disinfected in-between each 90-minute session, according to the release.
The annual Festival of Trees silent auction will be held online this year with numerous holiday items up for bid. Proceeds will support the Union Colony Civic Center and the Greeley Philharmonic Guild.
For more information
For more information on event hours, which vary daily, admission costs, and schedules, go to GreeleyFestivalofTrees.com.
Space is limited by the current safety standards set by the state of Colorado between 25 and 50 ticketed entries per time slot, according to the release.