AKRON, Ohio — There were tall trees, short trees, some with colorful ribbons and bows, and even one that was upside down — but all of them were meant to bring Christmas cheer and raise money for a good cause.
The 43rd annual Holiday Tree Festival kicked off this weekend in downtown Akron at the Akron Children’s Hospital’s John S. Knight Center. The festival, which runs through Nov. 24, is free and open to the public.
On Sunday morning, over 100 people of all ages, some in ugly Christmas sweaters, attended the festival’s second day. This year’s event features 165 decorated trees and 80 wreathes, all of which were donated by individuals, corporations and groups, and available for purchase, with the proceeds benefiting the hospital.
Once the trees are purchased, they are wrapped and shipped as-is to their new owner, according to event staff.
Sarah Vaughn, of Akron, strolled through the event on Sunday carrying her newborn infant. She said she has been coming to the festival for the last five years.
“I like donating, looking at all the trees to get ideas for my own,” Vaughn said.
Though the trees are the stars of the show, the holiday festival also provided live music, a photo op with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a kids activity area where they could color and write letters to Santa, and a small shop where people could purchase decorations, gifts and other items that will also benefit the hospital.
According to the Akron Children’s Hospital website, since its founding in 1982, the festival has raised more than $7.3 million for patient care programs, education and research. Last year alone, $310,000 was raised.
Terry Banks, a Canton resident who brought his nieces to check out the sights, said this was his first time at the holiday festival after hearing about it through a friend.
“I was really happy to see the turnout, the music was excellent and really got me into the spirit. It’s beautiful and great to see that the community is giving back,” he said.
The tree festival viewing hours are:
- Monday, Nov. 18: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 19: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 20: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 21: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 22: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 23: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 24: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.