2 Weeks To Festival Of Trees Christmas In July Celebration

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on July 9, 2024
- 9:11 am

Bread from The Enchanted Jammery. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen

The Enchanted Jammery owner Amanda Leibee won Grand Champion at the 2023 Los Alamos County Fair. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen

By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
C’YA

We’re two weeks from the very first Christmas in July celebration of the Festival of Trees. A 23-year tradition took a pivot for 2024 offering up a cool venue, on a hot July weekend. The fun ensues 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at the Betty Ehart Senior Center.

Donations of canned goods/non-perishables and dog treats and toys are appreciated for entry. The silent auction includes a variety of holiday items from trees and wreaths to quilted items and holiday décor. The fun continues with a $1 chance to win a decorated tree, or six chances for $5.

Prior to the final drawing, a variety of items are available in the raffle. The vendors at the festival will each donate one item to be included and the winner does not need to be present to win.

Local community nonprofits will be on hand showcasing their services, looking for volunteers and in some cases, selling items of their own to help their organizations. Just a few of the participants include: the Youth Activity Centers with cotton candy, Family Strengths Network with children’s activities and Paul Sena of the Los Alamos County Animal Shelter with some furry friends that need a forever home.

The mini mall this year will have the largest variety of goods for sale, featuring items ranging from charm bracelets, lanyards, earrings, necklaces, crochet to soaps, stained glass, gourds, coat racks, baked goods, wall art and jerky in many flavors.

Evelyn Vigil is a new vendor and artist this year and mother of our very own Paul Sena. She will offer handmade bottle art, paintings and crushed glass pieces.

“I enjoy making the bottles because every piece is unique,” Vigil said. “I enjoy doing my art because it’s freeing from the world, it relaxes my mind and soul.”

Amanda from The Enchanted Jammery joins the family this year with decadent delights for the tastebuds. Many of her varieties are wild harvests, with her most popular being her Jemez Mountain Choke Cherry. This jammin’ jam took Grand Champion at the 2023 Los Alamos County Fair.

“I grew up in canning with my grandmother,” Amanda said. “It’s been a long standing tradition in my family!”

While canning, food preservation and baking may be her passion, she said that she believes it is built into her DNA. She loves sharing both her crafts and her goodies and does it to help keep the tradition of safe food preservation alive. She is in school to become a Master Food Preserver.

Donations for the event are being accepted this Friday, July 12 and the full silent auction opens on Monday 15, during business hours. Those with questions can call the center at 505.662.8920 or text/call 505.695.9139.

Evelyn Vigil will feature glass bottle art, diamond art and paintings at the event. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen