The Festival Of Trees is one of my favorite events of the year. When my children were young we made sure to see the Holiday Lights Parade, Santa make his yearly debut, watch the fireworks and sing Silent Night on the Resort lawn.  Then we got our first glimpse of the Christmas Trees in all their splendor inside the Coeur d' Alene Resort. We would meander over to The Shoppes and check out the Ice Castle, the elves and get photos with Santa, have a cookie and a hot cocoa.  We even entered the Gingerbread House Competition a few years. How fun to go look and find it on display! The kids loved it!

I've performed at The Senior Social twice and that was a blast! Those were my Red Hot Mama days of course. I've never been to the Saturday Night Gala.....I've always worked in restaurants all these years. Tough to get a ticket! Our community  supports this event so well. How great is that? Sunday was always my favorite....Family Day. The craft area....my kids always came away with a momento to hang on the tree or give to Grandma. The school Chorus' that perform the unique arrangements of Christmas music while all the parents vie for an optimal recording angle highlights the afternoon. We would be sure and have a fun family meal out that day smack dab in the center of all the holiday glitz! Then there is the Fashion Show.....my husband has even been in the show modeling  men's attire. What a great way to showcase the beautiful setting!

A lot has changed through the years. But a lot has stayed the same. My kids are grown. But they have the most wonderful memories of this weekend kickoff....

Heading to the Lighting Ceremony on Friday night, then singing (with thousands of others) on the Resort lawn. Will follow that with the Fireworks then a walk around to take it all in. Really looking forward to Sunday as always. This year, I get to be a part of Monday's Fashion Show.....not modeling....singing! I'll be singing a song with two of my dear friends. That's new! Making new memories....mixing them in with traditions. I love Coeur d' Alene and the holidays!

All this and it benefits our local community...raising over 3.7 million $$ for many different Kootenai Health related causes. Over the years, the festival has supported such projects as the Kootenai Heart Center, the Kootenai Health Walden House, the Kootenai Cancer Center, the Kootenai Medical Center Birthing Center, the Kootenai Health Patient Transportation Program, and the McGrane Center for Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Care.


Kim Brown

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