Creations Shine Bright At Festival Of Trees

Trees put together by Severna Park residents were among the more than 300 designer-decorated trees, 190 wreaths and 30 gingerbread houses on display and for sale during the 33rd annual Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees event.

The festival, which returned to an in-person event for the first time since 2019, took place Thanksgiving weekend at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium.

The three-day holiday celebration benefits the patients, students and programs at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Since 1990, the festival has raised more than $25 million for those who rely on Kennedy Krieger’s services.

Kennedy Krieger Institute was established in 1937 and serves more than 25,000 patients and students whose diagnoses include autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, rare genetic diseases, and a host of other conditions.

Jessica Gregg, director of public relations and social media at Kennedy Krieger, said the institute hopes to raise more than $600,000 this season during its largest fundraiser of the year.

“Festival attendees could purchase a tree, wreath or gingerbread house with all of the proceeds going to Kennedy Krieger,” Gregg said.

Individuals, families, organizations and schools can commit to decorating a tree, wreath or gingerbread house and then donate it to the festival. Prices range from $15 to several hundred dollars for the items.

“Many trees include gift cards, gifts under the tree that correspond with the theme, or even spirit wear,” Gregg added.

Becky Batta and her daughters, Jenny Batta and Christy Fisher, have been decorating trees for eight years. The elder Batta said they started out as attendees to the festival before starting to purchase the decorated ones on display.

“In 2015, we decided we would create a tree and donate it to the festival,” Batta said.

The Batta Ladies tree’s theme this year was “Chasing Rainbows,” based on a quote attributed to Dolly Parton, “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with rain.”

The tree had multi-colored lights and rainbow ornaments.

“It’s really important to my family to participate in the Festival of Trees because we know the funds raised provide services to the patients and students at Kennedy Krieger Institute,” Batta said. “Our decorated trees are our way of donating to the very important cause.”

First-time participants of the Festival of Trees were members of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic School student council. Laura Poremski, a middle school language arts teacher, said the kids were excited to give back to the community.

“When they saw that the Festival of Trees was back this year, they were eager to participate and support the Kennedy Krieger Institute with such a fun event,” Poremski said.

The school’s theme this year is “Love One Another As I Have Loved You,” and the council decided to utilize the school’s theme for the tree. The tree was decorated with ornaments crafted by the students.

“We designed a 4-foot tree, and after being at the fairgrounds to decorate, the students were already talking about moving up a tree size for next year,” said Poremski, referencing the three sizes of tree on display at the festival.

Batta said that she and her daughters have already determined their 2023 theme, and they plan to collect ornaments and trimmings for it throughout the year.

In addition to the trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses, more than 90 craft vendors were on hand offering wares. The festival also featured live music, silent auctions, rides, crafts and even a visit from Santa.

To learn more about the Festival of Trees and how to get involved, visit www.kennedykrieger.org/festivaloftrees.