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The U.S. Forest Service’s Christmas tree emerged as the crowd favorite in the eighth annual Festival of the Trees at Natural Bridge State Park this past holiday season.
The Friends of Natural Bridge State Park last week released the results of the 2023 event, which had a theme of “Nourishing Lives and Embracing Hearts.”
The festival’s highlight, the group said, was the support received for the Glasgow/Natural Bridge Food Pantry and ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice. Donations poured in from the generous attendees; 2,147 pounds of food (3,732 pieces) were collected to support those with food insecurities, and 1,660 items were collected to provide comfort and care to hospice patients and care providers. In addition to the tangible contributions, ballot voting on the adorned trees raised $753, which will be split between the two nonprofit organizations.
“The Natural Bridge-Glasgow Food Pantry received 2,145 pounds of food from the Festival of Trees,” said Dave VanOsten, president of the pantry. “We are so grateful for such a huge donation, not only to the park staff and the Friends of the Natural Bridge State Park, but to all our friends and neighbors who were so generous. We can assure you that all of it will help your neighbors who are in need.”
Thirty uniquely decorated trees adorned the State Park Visitors Center. The winning Forest Service tree received 1,812 votes (1,755 food items, 33 nonfood items, and 24 ballots).
The Friends of Natural Bridge State Park expressed gratitude to all sponsors, participants, and volunteers who made this event possible.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the Festival of Trees this year,” said Chuck Smith, president of Friends of Natural Bridge State Park. “The community’s support has not only made this festive season brighter for many but has also reinforced the values of compassion and generosity that define our community.”
