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November 12, 2009

Anonymous The Commercial-News Thu Nov 12, 2009, 05:58 PM CST

The final bows will be tied in place today, and the strings of lights will go through one more test. Beginning Saturday morning, the 13th annual Festival of Trees will open its doors for five days of early holiday fun.

Organized by the Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation, the festival links dozens of local sponsors and volunteers of all ages to provide the community with an early Christmas present.

The event, however, isn’t just all pretty lights and Santa’s elves.

The foundation has given back more than $3 million during the past 12 years.

The foundation supports such programs as Faith in Action and Faith in Action South, which provide help to area senior citizens; I Sing the Body Electric, which helps students learn about making healthy choices; Women Aware, Young Women Aware and Young Men Aware, program that help people develop in positive ways; and the HALO Project, which sponsors activities to help promote a healthier community.

The serious issues addressed by those programs are put aside for the fun and holiday atmosphere of the Festival of Trees.

Gorgeous decorations will line the David S. Palmer Arena, and special entertainment — including a performance by Thaddeus Rex, an entertainer with local roots — will serve as special attractions.

The arena also will be filled with good food, special events and the sounds of the season to delight everyone who attends.

One of the special events is The Polar Express, a recreation of the famous book by the same name. Tickets for its two departures are already sold out.

The Festival of Trees has grown to become a community tradition, one that provides lots of fun and helps support program that make our community stronger. Even the grouchiest Ebenezer has to like that combination.

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