North Country Festival of Trees
Winter is right around the corner and with the cold temperatures comes what some would consider to be the jolliest time of the year. Kick-off the holiday season by attending the 33rd annual Festival of Trees at the Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls. The festival not only has activities for everyone of all different ages, but benefits the Prospect Center, an affiliate of the Center for Disability Services. Come join fellow community members and celebrate the true meaning of the holiday spirit, all while enjoying local talent, vendors, and decorations that are sure to put a smile on your face.
The Prospect Center provides several different services for individuals of all ages with disabilities. They have adult services, education services for students ages 5 through 22, family support, medical, and therapy services. Additionally, they have a newly opened respite facility for those who need a safe place for their disabled loved one to stay. Overall, the Prospect Center helps hundreds of people within Warren, Washington, and Saratoga County. Part of the reason they are able to provide so many services and help so many people is because of the community involvement and fundraising. The Festival of Trees not only helps raise money for the Prospect Center, but it showcases the amazing talent within the local community, and gives families the opportunity for a fun holiday experience.
Anne Costigan, senior vice president of communications and development at the Center for Disability Services (CFDSNY), shared that “this year we have some very special entertainment.” Kicking off the event on Friday, November 29, Kelsey Dodd will be performing at 11 a.m. “Kelsey has just released her first album so she will kick off the entertainment,” said Anne. Currently, Kelsey is a senior at Emma Willard and has been involved with the CFDSNY since she was a kid. The following day, Ryan Clark, a pop artist that has performed a “Concert for a Cause” to benefit the Prospect Center, will perform at 11 a.m. This will be Ryan’s 10th year performing his Concert for a Cause. “Something that’s very special about Kelsey and Ryan is Kelsey was introduced to the center for disability services through our annual telethon when she was 8 years old. Ryan was introduced to the prospect center as a youngster through their telethon. Both of these young people have remained involved with Prospect Center and the Center for Disability Services and continue to give back,” explained Anne. These are just two of the amazing performances that people can expect at the festival.
In addition to local entertainment, people will have the opportunity to see beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, kissing balls, swags, and gingerbread houses. They will be available for purchase, and a boutique will feature local artisans arts and crafts to continue your holiday shopping. Donated baskets will also be raffled off to several lucky individuals. Saturday and Sunday, The Queensbury Hotel is also hosting a breakfast with Santa. Children will have the opportunity to get their photo taken and receive a special gift from Santa Claus while enjoying a delicious breakfast. The breakfast cost $25 for adults and $19 for a child. If all the activities put you in a dancing mood, CMA winner from Froggy 100.3 and Big Country 104.9/97.7 Kevin Richards will lead a “Kickin’ Country Dance Party” for only $10. All proceeds from the event go towards supporting the Prospect Center and the wonderful services they provide.
Overall, the Festival of Trees is a great way to support a good cause, get some holiday shopping done, and have fun all at the same time. “When people come through, you just can’t help getting into that holiday spirit and it’s just truly a magical event,” shared Anne. The holidays are about giving and so many people and businesses give their time, energy, and money to make this such a special event. For more information about the different events, sponsors, and committee visit the website: https://cfdsny.org/events/festival-trees.