Visitors to the 19th annual Union Hospital Auxiliary Christmas Tree Festival will be treated to a display of 93 Christmas trees, filling the galleries of the Warther?s Carvings in Dover. This record number of trees surprises even Connie Finton of New Philadelphia, who has chaired the Auxiliary event since it began 19 years ago.
?We have tripled the number of sponsored trees that we began with back in 1993,? Finton said. ?Every year I think we?ve reached the most we could possibly have, and then we add a few more the next year. I am amazed by the enthusiasm the community has for this project and gratified by the generosity of our local businesses, organizations, and individuals who sponsor the trees and support this event.?
The Christmas Tree Festival will be open to the public through Sunday, November 18 at Warther?s Carvings, 331 Karl Ave. in Dover. Daily hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. except on Sunday, Nov. 18 when the Festival closes at 5 p.m. Admission price is $5 for adults while children under 12 are free. Tickets are sold at the door.
The Christmas trees in the Festival are for sale as are many wreaths, holiday arrangements, and the entire lobby display. Finton says after the Festival closes the smaller trees will be available for pickup by the buyer on Nov. 19 and 20 while the larger trees will be delivered to buyers on those days.
Finton says the Festival?s success is a tribute to the hard work of the members of the Union Hospital Auxiliary, the support of the sponsors, and the thousands of people who come to see the trees and purchase them.
?In addition to the many businesses, organizations, and professionals who sponsor the Christmas trees, we are very grateful to the Huntington Bank which again is our primary corporate sponsor, and our room sponsors which include Dover Hydraulics, AultCare, and WTUZ Radio,? Finton says. ?
Returning on Saturday, Nov. 17 is the popular Children?s Christmas Tree Workshops with sessions at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Warther?s. Country Club Retirement Campus in Dover is the sponsor of the Workshops. Children will decorate their own 18-inch lighted tree to take home for Christmas. The cost is $25 per child. Call the Union Hospital Community Relations office at (330) 602-0778 to make reservations.
?We are very grateful to the Warther family for hosting this event for 19 years in their beautiful facility,? Finton added. ?We?ve always referred to the Festival as a ?show of trees and trains? and clearly that combination is a hit with local residents, many of whom make The Christmas Tree Festival the start of their holiday season.?
Proceeds from the Auxiliary?s Christmas Tree Festival are donated to Union Hospital in Dover for the purchase of patient care equipment and facilities.
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