Festival of trees fundraiser brings holiday spirit

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered at the DECC for the 37th annual Festival of Trees fundraiser.

The weekend-long event doubles as one of Duluth’s largest “pop-up” arts, crafts, and gift shows, featuring a mini-tree auction, 170 vendors selling handmade gifts, treats, and art. The event is hosted by the Junior League of Duluth, a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance women’s leadership while supporting the community. A portion of the proceeds from the tree auction and ticket sales goes back to the community through their grant program.

“This fundraiser really helps us to train women in different skills that they may not get on their job,” said Addie Trettel, president of the Junior League of Duluth.

Trettle says the Junior League also collects shelf-stable food items in exchange for a discount, and those funds go to CHUM.