Festival of Trees is still on this year
McGregor’s 16th annual Festival of Trees will be held Dec. 3-6, offering an illuminated winter wonderland of trees as well as holiday music and live performances, kids activities, trivia and a pub crawl. (Times-Register file photo)
16th annual event slated for Dec. 3-6 in McGregor
By Audrey Posten | Times-Register
McGregor’s annual Festival of Trees is still on for this year.
Organizer Anne Kruse said news of Backwoods Bar and Grill’s upcoming move from its current location at 111 First St. to 238 Main St. has sparked concern that Festival of Trees will not be held in the Backwoods Event Center as it has been for over a decade.
“People have heard so much about the Backwoods building and the fact the restaurant is moving that they’ve misunderstood and think there’s no festival. That’s not true,” Kruse stressed.
Backwoods plans to close immediately after the event concludes on Saturday, Dec. 6, then re-open by New Year’s Eve at its new location. The current building on First Street is slated for demolition in the coming months.
“We don’t know what the plan is going to be for next year [for Festival of Trees],” acknowledged Kruse. “It’s too early to even guess.”
Now in its 16th year, Festival of Trees will largely feature its traditional activities, but also some new additions, according to Kruse.
Events kick off Wednesday, Dec. 3, with Christmas Trivia at Old Man River Restaurant and Brewery. New this year, there will also be music bingo. Attend from 6 to 8 p.m. to test your knowledge.
On Thursday, Dec. 4, at Dessert Among the Trees, get a sneak peak of the illuminated winter wonderland of 40 Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, organizations and individuals. Although tickets will be available at the door, attendees are encouraged to purchase ahead of time for a reduced rate and to help organizers plan.
On Friday, Dec. 5, Festival of Trees opens in the Backwoods Event Center at noon. Bid on available trees and vote for your favorites in two categories: mostly homemade and mostly store bought. Viewing continues until 8 p.m.
That night, visitors can enjoy a musical performance from Santa’s Combo at Backwoods and participate in the Spirits of Christmas Pub Crawl at local bars from 4 to 8 p.m.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, view the trees from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There’s also a full lineup throughout the day, starting with the Tempting Treats Bake Sale at 9 a.m. There will be live performances in the afternoon, including the Star Power Dance Team at 1 p.m. and singing with kids from the Dr. Smith Center at 4 p.m.
Kids activities run from 2 to 4 p.m. Decorate Christmas cookies and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. New this year will be a teddy bear tea party. With help from Festival of Trees committee member and McGregor SpecialTea Shoppe owner Maureen Wild, tables will be set up with tea sets. Kids can bring their favorite stuffed animal and enjoy tea or a beverage of their choice.
Festival of Trees will conclude with holiday music at Backwoods from 5 to 7 p.m., then the announcement of the silent auction tree bids and voted trees at 7 p.m. Trees can be picked up yet that night or the following morning.
Proceeds from Festival of Trees will go toward the Dr. Smith Childcare and Learning Center, the McGregor Convention, Conference and Community Center (former Methodist Church), Quilts of Valor and The Left Bank’s arts education.
Kruse is excited for another year continuing the holiday tradition.
“We hope everybody turns out like they always do,” she said.
Follow the “Festival of Trees - McGregor, Iowa” Facebook for more info.
