Attending the Festival of Trees has become a tradition for many Quad City families. Festival of Trees has been the leading fundraiser of local art since 1986. Not only are there beautiful Christmas decorations, such as trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, and more, many high-school students’ art is put up for display. On the stage, performers of varying forms entertain the crowd as well. This local festival has gained recognition for the eye-catching parade including giant-sized balloons. Festival of Trees is open this year through the 27 of November, excluding Thanksgiving Day.
PV has a great art display this year, featuring many medias of art. Photography, charcoal, and ceramics are all exhibited as well as other medias of artistry. Allie Zucker, sophomore, had her art displayed for the first time at Festival of Trees. She says, “I’ve been dancing at it since I was about 7 years old with my studio, but this is the first year my photography has been in it.” Junior, Claire Thomsen, also had photography displayed at the Festival of Trees. Thomsen says, “ I’m glad I was able to capture a picture of something as iconic as the ferris wheel at Modern Woodmen Park to display for our community.”
Not only are tangible arts displayed at the festival, many singers and dancers capture the attention of family and other passerbys. Zucker also participated in Festival of Trees by performing her dance routines on the stage with Studio A Dance Co. Zucker says, “I love the Festival of Trees. I think it’s really fun to dance in it and then go and look at the art and trees afterwards.” Many dancers from other studios also performed and will continue the tradition for years to follow.
Students also participate in Festival of Trees by volunteering to help. As a good way to give back to the community, PV students volunteer their time to help support the arts by participating in the Festival of Trees. Students sold tickets in order to support the festival.
PV students are always very well represented at the Festival of Trees in many ways. The Festival of Trees is a positive environment for aspiring and successful artists to display their artwork as a community based event. For more information, be sure to visit https://www.quadcityarts.com/festivaloftrees/.
