The Fales and Lovejoy families pool their donations to create a spectacular treeor the latest Festival of Trees event this weekend at the Betty Ehart Senior Center. Photo courtesy of

Snowman and Santa Claus and many other wonderful items were donated by the Swickley family for the final Festival of Trees event this weekend at the Betty Ehart Senior Center. Photo courtesy of

COMMUNITY News:

The storied history of a community tradition closes its final chapter this weekend with the final installment of the Festival of Trees event at the Betty Ehart Senior Center. Christmas in July celebrates Santa’s holiday destination, right here in Los Alamos, while helping small businesses and nonprofits sell their wares and increase their profits.

The final party promises to be the best, with over 18 sold-out booths and non-profits selling a piece of childhood or hosting fun and informative activities for all ages in the community.

The gathering from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is Saturday at the Betty Ehart Senior Center. The festival raises money for both local senior centers and Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA) during this 23rd annual event. Although admission is free, they are looking for nonperishable donations for their food bank, dog treats to benefit a veterans project, or pre-packaged cookies for intergenerational activities. No time to shop early? You can pick up a tag at the “giving tree” and return items when they are ready.

There are many thanksgivings that allow for a mid-year attempt to hold one final celebration. Louise Hassman, Linda Hoffman, Linda Hull and Chris Juveland are Holiday Angels who have been with the program every year or most of the year since 2001.

Hundreds of volunteers have helped over the past 23 years, but it could never have happened without the “lively volunteer” efforts of Kay Burick and Santa. Although Burick would never agree, the knowledge, love, dedication and support she has shown the four senior center directors over the 23 years of the program is nothing short of a miracle. The beauty, kindness and dedication of Santa has also been there since the beginning. He will be there this year, with a festive holiday atmosphere.

The plan is to end with a deep appreciation for our donors and for our programs that benefit young and old.

Words from the Executive Directors

• Pauline Powell Schneider 2001-2018: “This event sparked so much creativity and goodwill. I loved seeing the BESC filled with members of the intergenerational community bidding, buying, singing, posing with Santa, and at the end of it all taking home their treasures. I guess all good things must come to an end and there will be other new ways to raise money for C’YA and LARSO.”
• Linda Boncella 2018-2019: “The Festival of Trees always brought so much joy to the holidays at Betty’s and really got everyone in the spirit of the season! It was a fun tradition that brought back fond memories.”
• Bernadette Lauritzen 2019-2023: “I presented this idea to Pauline many years ago and we started with 5 trees. Every year we wondered if it would happen and every time we were pleasantly surprised by the donations. I was responsible for both LARSO and C’YA for 4 years and in 2020 Champions of Youth Ambitions donated all profits to LARSO. When 2020 brought so much uncertainty, the truth was that LARSO was looking after our community elders and that money could be better spent there.”
• Jacci Gruninger, current Executive Director: “After more than 20 incredible years, this event marks the end of an era and a great partnership between the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization and Champions of Youth Ambitions. We appreciate the efforts everyone has made to keep this family-focused event going over the years and look forward to the community coming out to help make our final Festival of Trees the best it can be.”

So, the community is invited to slow down and experience a holiday tradition, yes, in the middle of summer. While doors open Monday morning for the 100+ items in the silent auction, it ends on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. You do not have to be there to win a raffle item and will be called after Saturday. All silent auction/raffle items must be picked up by the end of business on Wednesday, July 30th.

Call 505.662.8920 for information.

Glitter Tree Trio was donated by Chris Juveland. There are more than 125 items up for auction, which begins Monday. Lottery tickets cost $1 each or 6 for $5 at any senior center with more than 20 lottery items, the last of which is a decorated Christmas tree. Photo courtesy of

Azul Designs will be at the Festival of Trees this Saturday. Photo courtesy of