The 37th Willow Tree Festival begins its 2-day run today in Gordon. Hours are 10:00-5:00 and 10:00-4:00 with tickets $12 for adults and $3 for kids.
The Willow Tree grounds include 2 city parks and the Gordon Community Building with adjacent streets blocked off to make the grounds a safe area for all-day family fun with plenty of space between most activities
As always, there are arts and crafts vendors, Food Row, children’s activities, and simultaneous performances on 3 stages.
    Professional entertainers are on the Gazebo Stage, gifted amateurs on the Community Stage, and entertainment for kids on the Children’s Stage.
Willow Tree spokesman Jean Walter thinks this year’s list of performers is exceptional, starting with one of the Gazebo Stage standouts.
Also performing on the Community Stage is the Chadron father-son music duo of Scott and Josh Fernau with Josh’s magician brother Jared on the Children’s Stage.
Another family-based act on the Community Stage is the Meng Dynasty, headlined by long-time area musician and Gordon-Rushville High Band Director George Meng.
    Festival spokesman Nancy Peterson is excited that the Sheridan County Players of Rushville will also take the Community Stage.
The Sheridan County Players performances at the Willow Tree Festival are 12:45 today and 1:15 tomorrow.
The Festival will also have a non-denominational community worship service tomorrow morning at 9:00 at the Gazebo Stage with several of this year’s performers taking part.