Festival of Trees raises money for those with disabilities

It’s that time of year as communities across Eastern Idaho kick off Festival of Trees events.

Monday was the start of the Idaho Falls Festival of Trees at the Shilo Inn.

The festival is celebrating its 30-year partnership with the Development Workshop.

All the beautiful trees are donated with the sales of the trees going to support programs with disabilities.

If you don’t want to buy a tree there are plenty of other gifts and holiday treats to pick up while listening to performances by community groups every 30 minutes.

Patricia Taysom says the event is a lot of hard work but worth it.

“I don’t think anyone knows how many hours are put in to this program. Our volunteers are the heart, and without the volunteers, this would not happen. But we do it because we love the community, and we love people with disabilities,” she said.

The event runs through Friday, doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.

All the money raised will go to support the Development Workshop, which works with those with disabilities to recognize and to achieve their chosen level of economic and social independence.