Twas’ the night before Festival and all thru the city
Trees were sparkling and all looking pretty.

The stockings were hung by the stairs with care
In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

Volunteers, sponsors, benefactors and more,
all come to Festival wondering what’s in store

And all were heard as they drove off in the night
“Festival of Trees was such a delight!”

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the Sartori Hospital Auxiliary will be ushering in the holiday season with its 20th Annual Festival of Trees celebration. The 2008 Festival, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, will take place the week of November 9th through the 16th.

This year’s Festival will feature some exciting new changes in addition to all the traditional favorites. Along with the ornately decorated trees, wreaths, and holiday exhibits we are set to bring back everyone’s favorite events, including: the Teddy Bear Tea, the Red Hat Brunch, the Downtown Parade & Tree Lighting, the Style
Show & Gourmet Luncheon, Santa’s Workshop, the Gala, and the Youth Dance Spectacular. New this year is Rockin’ Reindeer Racing on Friday November 14th. This exciting event will feature live music by The Hoodads, hors d'oeuvres, and an opportunity to wager on virtual reindeer races amongst the Gallery of Trees! Visit Festival on Saturday, November 15th to purchase homemade goodies from Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen Bake Sale and stop by Santa’s Library Book Sale to find the perfect stocking stuffer!

Festival of Trees has become a vital component for the wellbeing of Sartori Memorial Hospital. This year Festival has a goal of raising $150,000 to enhance cardiac services at Sartori Memorial Hospital. Festival is a gift to the community making the Cedar Valley a more festive place to be during the holiday season. All exhibits are free and open to the public.

Festival Co-Chairs Suzanne & Jim Benda and Jodi & Chris Hyers are working with over 60 Festival “Elves” tending to their workshops and preparing for this year’s celebration. Artist, Tatiana Ivaschenko-Jackson, has once again donated her beautiful original artwork interpretation of the 2008 Festival theme.

If you are not yet involved, there are many opportunities to participate in this years’ Festival. Festival of Trees is still recruiting sponsorships for Festival events, trees and displays. For more information on how you can support this event, please call Scott Cooley (319) 268-3161 at the Sartori Healthcare Foundation.

Thank you to everyone for your dedication and attendance to this spectacular community event. We appreciate all of the support in making a successful Festival to benefit Sartori Memorial Hospital.