The Salvation Army is widely recognized during the excitement of the Christmas season, from the sound of bellringing beside red kettles to food and toy assistance for families in need. Yet in Williamsport, another longstanding tradition adds to the joy of the season.
(This article is by Lou Hunsinger, Jr. and Emily Fullop)
This year marks the 23rd annual Festival of Trees. While much of the event is staying the same, there are also some exciting changes for 2025. This year the Genetti Hotel is proud to host the display and auction. Besides the change of venue, this year’s event is the first to include not only trees but also beautifully decorated wreaths.
If you aren’t familiar with The Salvation Army’s Festival of Trees, here’s how the event works: businesses and/or organizations throughout our very own community sponsor a tree or wreath by providing decorations along with an incentive package. Incentive packages for trees are generally valued at $200 or more, while wreath incentive packages are worth $100 and up. Anyone seeking a burst of festive cheer should check out all the trees and wreaths currently on display in the Genetti lobby, then stop by the adjacent voting table and vote for your favorites ($1= 1 vote). Your vote is your voice; the sponsor whose tree or wreath receives the most votes will win the “People’s Choice” award.
On December 12th at 7 p.m., the live auction will take place. The winning bidders will get the chance to take home the fully decorated trees and wreaths as well with their incentive packages. This year there are 30 trees and 17 wreaths awaiting some friendly competition, so come win your favorite. Whichever tree and wreath raise the most money (including auction proceeds) will receive “Best of the Festival” awards.
The Festival of Trees has been a cherished community event for 23 years. During that time, it moved from the now defunct Lycoming Mall to the county-owned space at 33 W. Third Street, and most recently to the Genetti Hotel. Each location has played an important role in bringing joy to the community. The excitement surrounding this year’s change in location is already building. “So many of the guests have been intrigued — asking questions already,” said Stephanie Jones, Director of Sales at the Genetti Hotel and Suites.
And it’s not just the community that’s excited, The Salvation Army is equally energized and grateful for this partnership that makes this event possible, “The Salvation Army is incredibly grateful to the Genetti for allowing us to hold the annual Festival of Trees fundraiser at their hotel. We want to thank the employees and volunteers who have helped make this event so successful,” said Major Sheryl Hershey, Williamsport Corps Officer/Pastor.
“From the moment Laura Templeton from the Salvation Army contacted me about hosting the Festival of Trees, I was both excited and determined to make it happen. My only true expectation for the event has been to bring joy to those who may need it during the holiday season—and so far, it has far exceeded anything I could have imagined, Stephanie Jones, Special Events Coordinator for the Genetti Hotel, told Webb Weekly. “Guests and travelers passing through, many of whom might not normally experience the Festival of Trees, have been eagerly participating in voting for their favorite tree. Our front desk staff have genuinely enjoyed sharing how the festival works with everyone who walks in.”
The Festival of Trees isn’t an event designed simply to showcase the glamour of Christmas; it’s meant to bring the entire community together. “Take a look at the entire display. Each sponsor has a group of people that decorate, plan… it’s community-organized,” said Laura Templeton, the Williamsport Corps’ Community Relations & Development Director and Festival of Trees committee chair. And community doesn’t just refer to those directly involved in creating the event; it also includes families, visitors, and anyone looking to share in the holiday spirit. For example, on December 5th and 6th, the Festival of Trees provided a gleaming backdrop for families capturing magical Christmas memories through free photos and a visit with Santa. On those same days, the Festival of Trees at the Genetti Hotel also served as a featured trolley stop during the German Christmas Market hosted by Lycoming College, Lycoming Arts and the Williamsport Business Association. Also, a big thanks to Backyard Broadcasting radio stations, the Sun-Gazette, and of course the Webb Weekly who are keeping the community informed about The Salvation Army’s news, community programs, and events.
“The event wouldn’t be possible without volunteer Mike Roan; he plays a key role. And our whole volunteer committee,” noted Templeton. Business Owner of Roan Real Estate, Mike Roan, volunteers his time to lead auction night, as well as secure tree and wreath sponsors beforehand. He is a founding member of the Festival of Trees committee and professional auctioneer. “It means a lot for me to be involved in the Festival of Trees each year,” said Roan. It is for a great cause. I’m only involved in two major charitable activities each year and this is one of them. I really like helping to support the Salvation Army. The money raised for them stays local and helps local people. This is a wonderful thing to support.” On December 12, bidder registration opens at 5:30 p.m., and the auction will be live at 7 p.m. in the Genetti’s Garden Terrace Ballroom. Also new this year—during registration, all auction bidders as well as tree/wreath sponsors are invited to join in a pre-auction mixer to socialize and enjoy some refreshments. The Festival of Trees event is a “bargain,” auctioneer Roan emphasized. “You can get good deals and keep the prizes. It helps The Salvation Army, which are the people out there helping others.”
“I’m excited to see how our community comes together in holiday spirit,” said Lt. Nicole Fullop, the new assistant Salvation Army Officer/Pastor who arrived at the Williamsport Corps this past summer. “It’s great to see how everyone continues to come alongside The Salvation Army to help us raise money to help families in need.”
The Salvation Army in Williamsport continues to work endlessly throughout the year for the good of our community. They operate a food pantry and hygiene item closet. Also, they provide clothing/furniture vouchers, rent, and utility assistance to those impacted by an emergency. They also offer youth and music programs, summer camps, a Golden Agers program, women’s ministries, an expansive community garden/urban farm, a thrift store, recreational gym programs, weekly Sunday school and worship services, and more. Over the last 22 years, the Festival of Trees has raised approximately $385,000 to help support these programs and residents throughout the Lycoming County.
If you want to learn more about the Salvation Army’s programs, services, and what you can do to help, please stop by The Williamsport Salvation Army at 457 Market St. or call (570)-326-9187, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
