The Chadron Garden Club was selected as the winner of the 2022 Festival of Trees People’s Choice Award, garnering the most votes in the month of December by visitors to the festival.
The Garden Club’s sunflower-themed entry was dedicated to Ukraine. The sunflower is the country’s national flower and has become a symbol of resistance, hope and unity as Ukraine continues to fight a war against Russia. The tree also featured decorations representing the country’s flag. The Chadron Garden Club will have possession of the Festival of Trees traveling trophy for the next year.
“Congratulations to the Chadron Garden Club on their accomplishment; their tree was beautiful,” said organizer Kerri Rempp, director of Discover Northwest Nebraska. “I’d also like to thank all of the organizations and businesses who participated this year. The annual Festival of Trees, located at the historic Dawes County Courthouse, had 31 entries, nearly double 2021’s total as we came out of the pandemic. I’m excited to see the event continue to grow in 2023.”
The annual Festival of Trees is part of A Country Christmas in Northwest Nebraska, a collection of events in November and December focused on holiday festivities and shopping. Organizations and businesses are invited to set up a tree at the Dawes County Courthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The trees can be viewed by the public from Thanksgiving to Christmas during regular business hours, and an open house with live entertainment and refreshments following Chadron’s annual Parade of Lights provides an after-hours viewing opportunity.