Festival of Trees returns for another round of holiday cheer

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - The Festival of Trees, a tradition in the Mid-Ohio Valley that dates back decades, has nearly 70 entries on display this year. People can vote for a tree until December 9.

The festival grows each year.

Stacey DeCicco, executive director for the United Way Alliance, said entries come from nonprofit agencies and from large and small businesses.

“We have nearly 70 entries on display this year, and it comes from just so many sects of our community. So it’s nonprofit agencies that have participated in some of our largest businesses in the community, and some of our very small businesses. So we love that it’s an opportunity for lots of people to get involved. And we just love the diversity that’s come since United Way has taken it on,” DeCicco said.

How to vote and donate

People can vote for a favorite tree by putting coins or dollars into the jars beside each tree. They can also donate by card at the front desk.

All funds raised stay local.

“And that money goes to the overall auction proceeds and that the overall auction proceeds benefit our local United Way campaign. So all of those dollars raised stay locally. So even when you’re dropping a single dollar bill or two quarters into that canister, that money is going to stay right here in the community. So that’s another really magical part of the Festival of Trees,” DeCicco said.

People have until December 9 to vote and view the trees.

Editor’s note: The video for this story will be added once it airs. Please check back for the updated video.