Scroll through virtual Canyon County Festival of Trees to benefit Idaho seniors

What’s the holiday season without the annual Festival of Trees events?

There’s something magical about wandering through an indoor forest of elaborately decorated Christmas trees.

I mean, it’s essentially a wonderland of cheer, joy and peace. How could it not lift your spirits?! And in these times, everyone could benefit from a little mood lifting.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to many holiday events last year, including the Canyon County Festival of Trees, which was completely canceled. The Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees was modified to an online event.

In 2021, with the pandemic still very much here, the two events have done a switcheroo: The Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees was canceled altogether and the Canyon County Festival of Trees is moving online.

The virtual Christmas tree and auction experience will be held Wednesday, Nov. 24, through Tuesday, Nov. 30. Trees will be delivered Dec. 2.

I realize browsing trees online doesn’t quite generate those festival feels like strolling through them in person would. However, the funds from the auction continue to benefit the Nampa and Caldwell Meals on Wheels programs, and contributing to that cause is sure to bring about some warm fuzzies.

“Now more than ever, the support is needed to make sure no senior goes hungry,” Julie Warwick, festival board member and Caldwell Meals on Wheels coordinator, said in a news release. “We have seen the need in the Caldwell area alone increase by 30 percent. In fact, we currently need at least 10 additional volunteers to add more delivery routes to meet demands.”

So throw on your comfy sweatpants, prepare a delicious cup of hot cocoa (or something stronger) and settle in for some in-house bidding. The link to the auction will post once it is live at 2cfestivaloftrees.com.

For those interested in sponsoring a tree, wreath, basket or getaway for the online auction, contact Jeff Dunlap at 208-860-7608 or Katie Dallas at Katie.Dallas@h2U.com. Monetary donations will also be accepted for the Nampa and Caldwell Meals on Wheels programs.

This story was originally published November 16, 2021 at 1:57 PM.