Archives - Festival of Trees

By ELIZABETH LONGABERGER

In 1982, the Junior League of Cincinnati held its first annual fundraiser, Festival of Trees, which provided the League with the funds to be able to support its projects for giving back to the community. Festival of Trees took place for many years at various venues across Cincinnati, including the Pogue building, Duke Energy Convention Center and Union Terminal. Sustainer Marty Humes was Chair of the event in 1985 and fondly shared her memories of hosting the large event at the Convention Center. The Festival of Trees brought together the community to decorate and sell approximately 150 trees to increase donations. Local businesses, including interior designers and various other sponsors, each decorated a tree for the event. Usually there was a decorative theme involved in the presentation of the trees. The businesses would secure donations and transport the trees to the new owners for the holidays.

Every year, the Festival of Trees Committee and JLC Marketing Committee worked together to develop a theme for the event. The advertisements were spread across the city with a beautifully designed poster by one of the League members. The Vice Chair in 1985 was Linda Lichtendahl. She described the many hours and dedication to the planning of Festival of Trees and how she “gained all the training, friendships and laughs” during that time. In 1986, four years after the inaugural event, the festival almost did not happen! Linda described how they created a beautifully decorated archway that ran the length of the Convention Center. However, the fire marshal was about to shut down the event the day before opening because the archway was not fireproof. Luckily, he told Linda of a spray that could be used to fireproof the labor of love. The festival proceeded without any issues, and was even more successful thanks to the addition of decorated wreaths for purchase.

For the many years the event took place, countless projects were funded by the generous sponsors, members and attendees.

Program from Festival of Trees, 1985