Natural Bridge State Park will kick off its ninth annual Festival of Trees on November 22, giving guests the chance to celebrate the holiday season while giving back to the community.
During the Festival of Trees, the visitor center will be filled with creatively decorated trees, each sponsored by local businesses and community groups. Guests can vote for their favorite tree by placing donation items under it or purchasing a ballot from the front counter.
The tree with the most ballots and donations by December 31 will be named the winner. There is no charge to view the trees.
This year’s donations will benefit Rockbridge CAN, Project Horizon and the Natural Bridge/Glasgow Food Pantry. Suggested donations include:
- Household items: Paper towels, aluminum foil, sandwich bags, 13-gallon trash bags, laundry detergent, disinfectant spray/wipes, towels and washcloths
- Personal items: Body wash/soap, deodorant/body spray, shampoo/conditioner, hairbrushes, socks, diapers (size 5 and 6), baby hygiene items such as lotion, shampoo, wash and baby wipes
- Non-perishable, unexpired food items
The trees will be on display daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from November 22 through December 31. The visitor center is closed on Christmas Day.
For more information about the Festival of Trees and other holiday events at the park, call 540-291-1326 or go to virginiastateparks.gov/events.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
