By CORINNE MESSER
The Progress
The upcoming holiday season was welcomed in at the Moapa Valley Festival of Trees last week, Nov. 17-19. Hosted by the Old Logandale School Historical and Cultural Society (OLSHACS), this annual fundraiser helps to fund the operation of the Old Logandale School building throughout the year. Coordinated by OLSHACS Executive Director Robin Maughan, the festival has become a local favorite Christmas tradition.
Vendors willing to battle the outside cold lined the entrance to the Old Logandale School selling wooden Christmas signs, custom mirrors, and cleverly crafted homemade jewelry.
The delicious aroma of a variety of roasted nuts sold by Rik Eide, greeted all festivalgoers in the entry hall to the building. The Marshall family’s homemade treats of caramel corn, caramels, fudge, cake pops, bread, rolls, and other tasty delights were the first sights upon entrance to the building.
But the main event was in the large main hall of the building. The room was beautifully decorated. Christmas trees and wreaths filled the room , all available for silent bidding by attendees.
Some of the trees came with a bonus. For example, in addition to Melb and Marilyn Perkins’ donated 10-foot elegant tree, an antique rocking chair was included in the bid.
Krista Anderson’s ornamented tree was created in memory of Ramona Crane with some of Ramona’s famous cinnamon rolls included to sweeten the deal.
A tree contributed by Aspire Center had glass ornaments made by its “exceptional clients” with disabilities.
Jeff and Trisha Andersen presented a tree in memory of their daughter, Rebekka. It was trimmed with toy cars from Disney’s movie, Cars.
Dan and Holly Plassman’s tree had a patriotic theme. It was a white tree with red, white, and blue hand-sewn ornaments with a quilted tree skirt all sitting on top of a table painted in the same colors.
Kara Villezcas and Lyndee Jones chose Infowest’s Christmas tree as their favorite. It was cleverly decorated with children’s books, crayons, and baby accessories to share.
In addition to the trees, many vendors lined the sides of the main gym, and filled the hallways and three additional rooms in the building. Opportunities to purchase Christmas gifts were plentiful. Sellers included Fred Koopman’s wooden toys, The White Farmhouse, Bader Lou, Roz’s Remakes, Jewelee Jems, Rebellious Boutique, Jackson’s Designs, Usborne Books, Pom Valley Candles, Lil’ bit of Everything Florals & Crafts and more.
Delightful local entertainment was present during all three days of the festival. Many of the larger acts that brought big crowds were performed outside in the pavilion. These included performances from Uplift School of Dance, Moapa Valley Tumbling Team, Studio B Dance, Marinettes and Fusion Dance Teams, Muddy River Cloggers, Mariner Cheer, Fusion Performance Cheer, and the MVHS Jazz Band.
Inside on the stage, entertainment included the Community Youth Choir, Aikele Piano students, Storytime, Zephyr Recorders, the Solomon Family, and a Brass Quintet.
Of course, the crowd favorite was a visit from Santa Claus on both Friday and Saturday.
“Things have come together quite easily this year,” said Maughan. “Besides our wonderful regular dedicated contributors, we’ve had quite a few new donors. And bidding has been so generous.”
