‘Festival of Trees’ starts Thursday

COLUMBUS -- Duane Schmitt and his wife, Nancy, regularly decorate four Christmas trees in their home each year.

One is decorated with Precious Moments, another decked out with birds, a third is a family tree and the final is one done all in glass ornaments.

It is that final one that is on display at the annual Columbus Women’s Club Festival of Trees. The Schmitt’s tree is among the 13 up for viewing at the 29th annual event held in the Columbus Art Gallery in the lower level of the Columbus Public Library. The event runs from Thursday-Sunday. It is open noon-8 p.m, Thursday and noon-4:30 p.m. the other days.

“Every year the trees are so different. It’s amazing how they come up with different ideas,” said Kay Miller, who is a co-chairwoman of the event with Susan Klug.

Klug said featuring a tree at the event is open to any individual. This year there is a variety of entries. People may view them by purchasing a ticket. Advanced tickets are $4 and available at the library or Art Editions, 2464 33 Ave.. Tickets at the door are $5. Included in the ticket price is dessert and coffee or punch.

There will also be a raffle. One dollar buys an opportunity to win $20 gift certificate to Rose of Sharon, two free entrees at Applebee’s, plush Boston terrier dogs from Tooley Drug and Toyland Treasures musical Christmas snow globe. Also available for purchase will be centerpieces in the dessert room. The centerpieces were created by Craft Village.

The money raised will help support local organizations, Miller and Klug said. The Women’s Club, which has 49 members assists agencies such as food pantries and the Columbus Rescue Mission, and programs such as an annual babysitting clinic and Teen Moms.

The following are descriptions of the trees on display.

• Small Hands-Precious Gifts by the Columbus Area Arts Council and Columbus Art Gallery. This tree is decorated with art created by preschoolers.

• A Christmas I Remember by Remembering our Roots Writing Group. Stories of special occasions adorn the tree.

• Shiny Glass Ornaments by Duane and Nancy Schmitt. A rotating tree features the couple’s collection of glass ornaments.

• A Cowboy Christmas by Avenue Chiropractic and Wellness. The tree is dressed up with red bandanas, silver spurs and topped with a straw cowboy hat.

• A Handmade Christmas by Calico Quilt Club. The club decorated this tree with old-fashioned snowmen made from quilter’s cotton batting.

• The Magic and Merriment of Memories by Diane Kubler. The Dept. 56 North Pole Village comes to life in this magical land.

• Our Children Remembered by Compassionate Friends No. 2306. Decorations on this tree are hung in memory of children.

• All That Glitters by Earl May Nursery and Garden Center. This tree shines with sheer ribbons, vibrant ornaments, glittery sequined beaded picks and a bright ball garland.

• Our Musical Heritage by the Platte County Historical Society. The tree is decorated to a theme to celebrate the musical heritage of Platte County and America.

• A Harvest of Christmas Blessings by Amy Blaser. The Blaser family decked out their tree with their collection of John Deere collectibles.

• A Caribbean Christmas by Mary Pinney. Visitors are invited to take a vacation to the Caribbean when looking at this colorful tree.

• A “Green” Christmas by Tami Hill. People are encouraged to go green by purchasing a potted evergreen tree and decorating it with cattails, milkweed pods, pheasant feathers and other environmentally friendly items.

• Snowmen! Snowmen! Snowmen! by Jean Karnik and Cheryle Deal. This tree is adorned with a collection of snowmen.

• A Woodland Christmas by Mary Pinney. This tree is located at the entry and is dedicated to Kevin Pinney, Mary Pinney’s late husband.