MLN-Festival2nov27-14

This Bumble is no misfit, he fits in just fine as one of the many trees decorated for the Mesquite Arts Council’s Festival of Trees which was held at the Casablanca Event Tent November 19-22, 2014. The theme for this year’s festival was Dashing Through the Snow. Photo by Teri Nehrenz.

If the Christmas decorations in the stores before Halloween weren’t evidence enough that the holiday season is upon us there should would have been no doubt after attending the Festival of Trees which was Sponsored by the Mesquite Arts Council and held at the CasaBlanca Event tent November 19-22, 2014.

The Festival of Trees has been a long time event which usually precedes the many concerts and events that surround the holiday season in Mesquite and every year residents of the city attend to see the forest of trees decorated by the individuals, businesses and non-profit agencies in town.

The Festival of Trees has been a long standing tradition which benefits the Mesquite Food Bank. Admission has for many years been a nominal fee or an even smaller fee with the added donation of cans of food; every penny made on the festival will go to feed families in the Virgin Valley.

Many of the trees and other items are donated to people in the Virgin Valley who may need a helping hand bringing a little holiday cheer to their families.

Awards are given in different categories for the tree decorations and this year they’ve added decorated wreaths and gingerbread houses.

MLN-Festival4nov27-14

The Mesquite Arts Council’s Choice for the 2014 Festival of Trees was this snowman tree decorated by the staff at Highland Manor. The snowman was inspired by the theme “Dashing Through the Snow.” Photo by Teri Nehrenz.

 

Some of the awards given this year for the trees were:
Most Inspirational was given to the Mesquite Fifth Ward relief society, Best Depiction of theme was won by Jacque and Brittany Dickason; Most Elegant went to the Casablanca Resort; Mesquite Fusion Salon and Spa took Most Whimsical; and the Mesquite Arts Council’s Choice Award was won by Highland Manor for their 8-foot plus snowman.

This year the Arts Council also arranged a luncheon for the kids with none other than Olaf, the snowman from the hit Disney movie Frozen. Olaf fit right in with the theme, he not only dashed through the snow; he was made of it.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree was there for visitors to who wanted to ensure someone, a senior or a child, who wouldn’t otherwise have much for Christmas would not go without a little cheer of their own.

MLN-Festival3nov27-14

Several snowmen in all forms from stuffed to hand made was voted “Best Depiction of Theme” at the 2014 Festival of Trees held at the Casablanca Event Tent and sponsored by the Mesquite Arts Council. This year’s theme was “Dashing Through the Snow.” Photo by Teri Nehrenz.

It’s the spirit of giving that drives this Festival and the people to it. Seeing the trees, being able to shop for handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts, having the ability to help a total stranger, friend, neighbor or even a family member by supporting this fundraising event is what the spirit of the season is all about.

Many thanks to the Mesquite Arts Council and the CasaBlanca Resort Casino for beginning the holiday season in Mesquite with such a charitable event.

MLN-Festival1nov27-14

Handprints In the Snow are turned into adorable hand painted ornaments by JL Bowler Elementary Preschool students. Photo by Teri Nehrenz.

MLN-Festival5nov27-14

Fusion Salon took the Council’s award for Most Whimsical at the 2014 Festival of Trees last week. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.