POCATELLO - It was standing room only at the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center Wednesday evening as walkways throughout the building filled with people viewing the entries in this year's Festival of Trees.
The annual event, a fundraiser that supplements health care for children in need at Portneuf Medical Center, features more than 80 decorated entries this year. Most of the entries are Christmas trees of varying sizes, but mixed into the festival are some wreaths, some gingerbread houses and a model train display.
Santa Claus is also on hand to hear childrens' Christmas wishes and, for a fee, a photo with Santa is also available.
Besides Santa, the Idaho Kidney Institutes Talking Tree appeared to be a hit among the young and the young at heart. A child size bench allowed the youngsters to sit in front of the tree while carrying on a conversation with it.
Another unique tree was entered by Girls on the Run/Southeast District Health Department, which featured a tree decorated with active wear and accessories. The most notable feature, however, was not the two pairs of athletic shoes dangling from the tree, but the fact that it was mounted upside down.
Of course, the star was properly fixed to the top of the tree, which in this case, was the bottom.
The Festival of Trees started Tuesday and runs through Saturday. In addition to the decorative trees, other events are going on throughout the festival.
The cost for entry is $5 per adult, $3 for seniors and youth, and free for children four years and under. A family pass is also available for $15.
That entry fee also allows you access to the Enchanted Christmas Tales show, which plays at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. It also shows at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday.
There are also other shows available throughout the festival in both the Grand Jensen Hall and the Black Box Community Stage. Complete information about the Festival of Trees, including show times and prices, can be found at PMC's Web site at www.portmed.org.
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