In just three years, the Festival of Trees, a magical display of trees
decked out in holiday finery, has become one of Southwest Florida's premier holiday events.

The week-long holiday celebration begins the day after Thanksgiving
with a showcase of beautifully decorated holiday trees and lavish
wreaths on display at the historic Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
in the Fort Myers River District.  The free, family friendly showcase was visited by more than 4,000 people in 2009.

Each fanciful tree is decorated by a different sponsor—many of whom create “theme” trees.  Trees compete for awards like the “Mayor’s Favorite,” “Most Creative,” and “People’s Choice.” Each year, decorators find unique ways to adorn their trees: candy, teddy bears, and even paper dolls have rested upon pine branches.  Others are decorated more traditionally, with ornaments, snowflakes, ribbons, and bows.  Still more are ornamented with more unconventional fare, like power tools, butterflies, and even sports memorabilia. 

Want to be a tree decorator/sponsor in 2010? Click here!

The Festival of Trees is also an important stop on the Fort Myers ‘Holiday Stroll,” a celebration in the Fort Myers River District.  Singers and dancers entertain holiday revelers in the River District, as the Mayor lights the town on a stroll down First Street.

The 2008 Festival of Trees will culminate with the elegant “Tux and Trees” black-tie gala on Friday, December 4th. Trees will be auctioned off at the gala to raise money for Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida. 

In the events’ first two years, the Festival of Trees and Tux and Trees have raised nearly $100,000 to support Goodwill’s mission of helping people with disabilities and other disadvantages overcome their barriers to employment and independence.

For information about the Tux and Trees Gala and live auction, click here.

Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation:
The Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation is the beneficiary of the Festival of Trees and the Tux and Trees gala.  The Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation is dedicated to providing a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment.  Supporting the mission of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, the Foundation works to ensure long-term funding is available for programs and services as needs escalate in the five counties served.