Jamestown Festival of Trees Returns, Raises Funds for Recreation Access

The Festival of Trees returned to The Bunker December 3 through December 6, staging public viewings and social events in the days leading up to a social and silent auction held on December 5. Dozens of decorated trees, wreaths and centerpieces sponsored by local businesses and community groups filled the venue, and prizes and items were offered through silent and online auction formats to accommodate broader participation.

Organizers said the Festival functions as a key fundraiser for the Jamestown Parks and Recreation Foundation. Proceeds were directed toward scholarships and programs designed to increase access to recreation services for families and individuals in the Jamestown area. In addition to fundraising, many of the decorated trees were set aside and donated to families in need following the event, extending the Festival's community impact beyond monetary contributions.

The event combined volunteer support, private sponsorship and public engagement in a concentrated effort to sustain local recreation initiatives. For municipal and nonprofit leaders, events of this scale highlight the role of community fundraising in maintaining programming that may not be fully covered by public budgets. The Foundation uses funds raised to lower economic barriers to participation, which can affect youth sports, senior programming and broader community wellness offerings.

For residents, the Festival offered both a seasonal gathering and a practical channel for supporting local recreation access. Businesses and community groups that sponsored entries gained visibility while directing resources into scholarships and program subsidies. The use of silent and online auction formats also permitted participation by those unable to attend in person, widening the pool of contributors and potential bidders.

As Jamestown moves into the new year, the Festival of Trees serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of civic engagement and municipal service delivery. The foundation's fundraising model will continue to influence how recreation programming is sustained and expanded, while the tradition of donating trees to families in need demonstrates a direct and immediate benefit to the community.