By: Hanna Stock
The Tangier Shriners put on their Feztival of Trees celebration for the third year in a row.
There are over 60 trees that have gifts from sponsors who have donated a tree filled with prizes and gifts for visitors to win. Each tree has a theme with a minimum prize winnings valued at $500 up to the Holly Jolly Nebraska Lottery Jackpot tree valued up to thousands of dollars in lottery winnings.
A few tree sponsors include Husker Hounds, Walgreens, Centris Federal Credit Union, Omaha Storm Chasers, and many other gracious donators. There’s a little something for everyone including a Harry Potter tree, McDonalds Tree, and even an Elvis tree.
The Shriners International is a fraternity-based group who also supports the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Shriners Hospitals for Children specializes in pediatric orthopedics, spinal cord injury rehabilitation, burn care, and cleft lip/palate. The weeklong Feztival of Trees invites people and families to purchase raffle tickets to be deposited into a small bucket of any tree of their choosing for a chance to win.
All of the money raised goes to the Tangier Shrine Center, which helps support the Shriners mission dedicated to providing care for children and families in need including the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
American Girl Doll tree. Feliz Navidad tree. Centris Federal Credit Union Bank tree. Close-up of gift prizes from the Harry Potter tree. Harry Potter tree. Stormy from the Omaha Storm Chasers taking pictures at the Feztival of Trees with guests. Nebraska Lottery tree, donated by Nebraska Lottery. Row of the donated trees. Family who has a tradition of visiting the Feztival of Trees. “It’s become a family tradition,” said Nick Smyth. “We haven’t won a tree yet, but we are crossing our fingers for this year.” Close-up of gift prizes from the Health and Wellness tree. All of the prizes from the Walgreens tree, donated graciously by Walgreens. I’m Lovin’ It McDonald’s Tree. Mickey Mouse House tree including cash prizes and loads of toys. Vintage Iron Club Tree. Smiling faces to great visitors and sell tickets to attend the Feztival of Trees.