The Union Hospital Auxiliary offers a fantastic holiday project for community members to enjoy and also to participate in. The Christmas Tree Festival, held each year since 1993, has become the kickoff to the holiday season in Tuscarawas County. The Warther family generously donates the use of their museum for the Festival.
This year nearly 100 decorated trees will be displayed. Auxiliary Project Chairman Connie Finton says that after 23 years and more than 1,000 Christmas trees, she promises that visitors to the Festival will see many new and original designs. “Just when I think every possible Christmas Tree theme or variation has been done, some amazing and beautifully created trees will show up. The creativity and artistry of the designers has to be seen to be believed.”
The festival will open to the public on Saturday, November 11 and continue through Sunday, November 19 at the Warther Museum, located at 331 Karl Avenue in Dover, Ohio. Daily hours are 11 am to 8 pm except on November 19 when the Festival closes at 5 pm. Admission is $5 for adults and children under 12 are free. Tickets are sold at the door.
The success of the Festival is a tribute to the hard work of the members of The Union Hospital Auxiliary, the support of the community sponsors, and the thousands of people who come to see the trees and purchase them. Over the years Auxiliary members have added special events to the festival. Senior Day, sponsored by The Inn at Northwood Village, will be Tuesday, November 13, and seniors over the age of 60 will be admitted for half price to enjoy the trees and refreshments.
The popular Children’s Tree Workshops will be held on Saturday, November 18 with sessions at 11 am and 2 pm. Children will be able to decorate their own 18” tree and take it home with them for Christmas. Cost for the workshop is $25 per child and reservations can be made by calling Union Hospital Community Relations at 330-364-0884.
The Christmas Tree Festival is supported by corporate sponsor Huntington Bank and room sponsors including Dover Hydraulics, Parkway Auto Group, and WTUZ Radio. A Preview Party is held the evening prior to opening day and will include several special auction trees. Attendance at this event requires a ticket. The Preview will be the first chance to purchase a tree.
Proceeds from the Christmas Tree Festival are donated by the Auxiliary to Union Hospital in Dover for the purchase of patient care equipment and facility improvements.
The Christmas Tree Festival at the Warther Museum
