Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Chapter NSDAR 11^th Annual Festival of Trees has come to a close, after a very successful year. This year’s event was held in the Butler County Community Development Center, the old mall building. Over 50 entries were decorated in a variety of themes which included trees, wreaths, nativities and other displays transforming the space into a Holiday Wonderland. Once again over 600 elementary students were able to view the trees and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. On family night Santa Claus himself put in a special appearance to the delight of children and adults alike.

One highlight of the event was when two young children viewed the trees and were so taken with the display they decided they must have one of the heart shaped ornaments as a gift for their mom. Their comment, “heart for mama”, was what drove their grandmother to try to make it happen. When presented with the request the DAR member who had decorated the tree gladly gave heart ornaments to both boys so they could present “hearts to mama.”

After community members viewed the trees, they were able to vote on their favorite entry. This year’s Viewer’s Choice award goes to first time participants, Positive Directions. Festival Chair Laura Crafton presented Carrie West a 2018 White House Christmas Ornament for their efforts. Positive Directions is an Adult Day Treatment facility located in Rose Plaza.

The Butler County Chapter would like to thank Judge Executive David Fields and the Butler County Fiscal Court for making the space available and ready for their use. They would also like to thank all those that decorated a tree or wreath for the event and all those that made monetary donations. The Butler County Chapter NSDAR is a service organization and all proceeds from the event go to their various veteran, student and community projects.