8th Annual Fantasy Tree Festival Held at Lamar Elks

The 8th Annual Fantasy Tree Festival helped inaugurate the holiday season for southeast Colorado this past Saturday, November 19. The annual event raises funds to support the activities of the Domestic Safety Resource Center which serves several area counties.

Businesses, organizations and citizens decorate a Christmas tree or wreath in a theme of their choosing which is auctioned during the annual event, held again this year at the Lamar Elks Lodge. A live and a silent auction of donated items and services contribute to the funding.

The Valley Jazz Orchestra began the festivities while attendees enjoyed hors d’oeurves provided by Chez DuVall in Granada. Jessica Long provided professional photograph services with Santa helpers Lisa Carder and Kinley Emick who also assisted during the live auction provided by Rob Morlan and Brad Morgan of M & M Auctioneers from Eads.

The Senior Dancers from All the Right Moves were decked out in holiday garb as they performed dance routines to “Santa Baby” and “Baby Please Come Home”.

Some of the bidding highlights included the Colorado East Bank and Trust tree which garnered $360; followed by the Lamar Eagle’s Auxiliary Tree for $350 and the one from High Plains Community Health Center for $300. The People’s Choice Tree was from Colorado East B & T which was decorated in a ‘Tool Time’ theme. The high bid for wreaths when to Desiree’s for $200; followed by Lamar Area Hospice at $185. People’s Choice Wreath was created by Lori Morlan featuring handmade embroidered angels. Other high bid items included: an African Photo Safari donated by Jerry Bachman which sold for $1,500, a set of Ace Tires for $750 and a miniature Dachshund, donated by Kraig and Janette Weaver from Burlington which sold for $375. Music was provided for the remainder of the evening by DJ’s Audrey and Steve Hernandez.

The Fantasy Tree Committee continues to receive cash donations which may help match last year’s goal of $7,000. Committee members hope to present a check to the Domestic Safety Resource Center shortly.

By Russ Baldwin