The Festival of Trees at Natural Bridge State Park begins with donations to those in need

Natural Bridge, Virginia – With its 9th Annual Festival of Trees, Natural Bridge State Park is offering you the opportunity to enjoy the holidays while contributing to the community.

More than 30 Christmas trees that have been decorated by neighborhood businesses and civic organizations fill the tourist center. Visitors can purchase $1 ballots or place donation items beneath their favorite trees to cast their votes. By December 31st, the tree that receives the most votes and contributions will be declared the winner.

The Natural Bridge/Glasgow Food Pantry, Project Horizon, and Rockbridge CAN will all benefit from this year’s donations.

This time of year, it assists a lot of people who are in need. Therefore, you are welcome to bring in any canned goods for the food pantry. Any comfort-related necessities, such as blankets and toiletries, are needed for Project Horizon. Our goal is to raise money for Rockbridge CAN.
Voters will be able to purchase ballots from the rangers at the tourist center up front. Voting with your ballot will be possible because bags bearing the names of the businesses will be placed in front of each tree. “However many you put in there counts,” said Jim Jones, manager of Natural Bridge State Park. Each ballot costs $1.

From November 22 to December 31, the trees will be on exhibit every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Christmas Day, the tourist center is closed. The trees can be viewed for free.

Suggested donation items include:

• Household items: Paper towels, aluminum foil, sandwich bags, 13-gallon trash bags, laundry detergent, disinfectant spray/wipes, towels and washcloths
• Personal items: Body wash/soap, deodorant/body spray, shampoo/conditioner, hairbrushes, socks, diapers (size 5 and 6), baby hygiene items such as lotion, shampoo, wash and baby wipes
• Non-perishable, unexpired food items

To learn more about the Festival of Trees and other park holiday events, visit virginiastateparks.gov/events or give 540-291-1326 a call.