Durango is a town that loves its Christmas traditions. After all, there are so many to choose from with events like Noel Night and the Polar Express. But at Legacy Properties West, one of our favorites is the Festival of Trees. An annual event headed by Community Connections or CCI, a local organization that has been creating opportunities for people with developmental disabilities in our community since 1985. 

A Spirit of Giving

Not only does the festival provide holiday spirit, but it also raises money for an important cause. Community Connections is Southwest Colorado’s only organization to provide 24-hour, seven-day-a-week services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. CCI provides support for therapy, housing and employment along with its 24/7 residential services. The Festival of Trees is one of the most significant fundraisers for the organization each year. 

Every holiday season local businesses and community members sponsor and/or decorate trees or wreaths. Then the community works tirelessly to turn the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Grange Hall into a winter wonderland. The city of Cortez has joined the festivities this year with a Festival of Wreaths that will light up their Main Street. Even more exciting, this year the agents of Legacy Properties West have teamed up to hand paint tiny wooden houses to decorate a tree with.

What’s New This Year

This year marks the 17th anniversary of this event and like everything else 2020 the Festival of Trees will be a bit different this year. True, the festival will still be held at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Grange Hall. You’ll still get to see an enchanted forest of locally sponsored and decorated trees and wreaths. But instead of being an in-person event, this year will be a virtual one. In an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community, this year’s event can be enjoyed from the comfort and safety of your own home. 

How to Participate

This year’s event will take place starting at noon on December 4th and will go through December 6th at 5 pm. Even though you can’t be there in person, there will still be a wide variety of ways to participate. Start by visiting https://CCIFOT.givesmart.com to view all the wreaths and trees from both communities.  Once you’ve feasted your eyes on all that Christmas cheer, you can bid to win a wreath or tree decorations and gifts. You can also purchase raffle tickets to win local prizes ranging from adventure packages to groceries and gas gift cards. You can register early for the event to receive notices about special guests and activities throughout the weekend. Or ride the Polar Express and get an in-person glimpse of the event.

We Wish You Great Cheer

We hope you take the time this year to join in the spirit of the holiday by visiting the virtual edition of the Festival of Trees. If you’re looking for a new place to call home before you bid on one of this year’s trees contact Legacy Properties West today. From all of us to all of you, we wish you a happy, healthy holiday season. Stay safe Durango!