Christmas tree festival planned

There will be plenty of holiday greenery with the 18th annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Festival, sponsored this year by Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital and Pinnacle Bank and held at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.

The fundraiser benefits the Thermopolis Community Fund. This past year, grants have been provided through the fund for 4-H projects, the Hot Springs County Library Reading Program, the Yellowstone trip at Ralph Witters Elementary, Thermopolis Volunteer Fire Department fireworks and Main Street Thermopolis.

Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital Marketing Director John Gibbel noted the grants are always given to groups — particularly those that are youth-oriented — rather than individuals. Applications for grants can be filled out year-round.

Lorie Shay with Pinnacle was appreciative of the Wyoming Dinosaur Center for allowing the space for the festival, Gary Nash for his time as the auctioneer and the time and money people put into their creations. Gibbel noted the trees will be set up for decorating on Monday, Nov. 26. Wreaths can be picked up at the hospital ahead of time, decorated and brought to the museum. This year there are 10 live trees and five artificial, and 10 wreaths, and they are available on a first-come first-serve basis.

However, people are also encouraged to decorate a tree or wreath of their own and bring it for the auction. Molitor noted people should still sign up even if they are bringing their own, in order to get on the program and be acknowledged.

Though you can visit the dinosaur center to see the trees and wreaths prior, the auction will be on Tuesday, Dec. 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Trees and wreaths will be delivered a couple days following the auction, to allow the public a final opportunity to view the items.

To sign up for a tree or wreath, contact Jessyca at Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, 864-3121.