To the editor:
Ten years of glitter, chaos, laughter and lessons:
• Never have a gala fundraiser during a snowstorm.
• “Tree” is a very, very flexible concept.
• Light displays can carry hidden messages.
• Power strips and surge protectors are different things.
• It is possible to drag a 6-foot, fully decorated tree 35 feet to a better spot.
• Kids love scavenger hunts.
• The Perry area is an infinite well of amazing creative talent.
• Plastic hangers and zip ties make excellent snowflakes.
• Handmade quilts warm hearts and wallets for the Carnegie.
• The Carnegie shines brightest when it’s brimming with the community.
• The city is an ongoing and steadfast partner — thank you.
• A tree always pops out of the box much shorter than expected. Always.
• By January no one remembers which extension cord was theirs.
• Carnegie floor outlets test the limits of human strength and patience.
• There are more windows when you count from the outside than from the inside!
• There will be laughs.
• You’ll put in more hours than planned.
• There may be bumpy sections, but the result makes it worth it.
• Coordinating humans can be like trying to nail Jell-O to the wall.
• Sometimes it’s best to ask for forgiveness than for permission.
• Then one day, it’s time to pass on the tradition you created.
________________________________________
Thanks to everyone who played a part in making this successful event! We can’t wait to see how the Festival morphs and grows. From snowstorms to glitter storms, fake snow to real joy — here’s to many more decades of creativity, chaos, and community!
But we’re trading the chaos for relaxing beverages of our choice.
Katie Schott, Festival of Trees coordinator
Des Moines
Laura Stebbins, Festival of Trees coordinator
Perry