Photos with Santa
Visit Santa from noon–3 p.m. Bring your camera and capture a special holiday memory.
Suggested donation: $5 per family
AMERICAN LEGION POST 581 · COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS
Festival of
Trees
Christmas for a Cause
Celebrate Christmas, community, and those who served. Join us for an afternoon of decorated trees, holiday treats, family activities, and Christmas cheer.
Sunday, November 29, 2026
Noon–4 p.m.
American Legion Post 581
Columbia, Illinois
Free admission & open to the community
Bring your family and friends!
Proceeds support Post 581 veteran and community programs.
MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHTER
An Afternoon Full of Christmas Cheer
Come for the trees. Stay for the memories.
Create an ornament to take home, or donate it to
the children’s community tree for a separate raffle.
Free ornament workshopMake an Ornament
Enjoy a festive cookie decorating contest for
kids and adults, with four age divisions.
Proposed decorating: 1:30–2 p.m.Cookie Decorating
Proposed awards: 2:15 p.m.
Warm up at the hot chocolate bar, enjoy cookies
and other treats for sale, and shop Christmas
gifts and veteran-owned businesses.
Holiday fun for the whole familyCocoa, Treats & Christmas Gifts
REMEMBER THEIR SERVICE
Honor a Veteran Tree
Add a name in honor or memory of someone who served. A suggested donation of $5 per tag supports the Post’s work. This special tribute tree stays with Post 581.
LOCAL BUSINESSES. COMMUNITY SUPPORT.
Become a Festival Sponsor
Choose a family-friendly theme and share why you support veterans. Each sponsorship includes both the cash gift and the decorated donation.
EVERGREEN
Plus one fully decorated wreath
$100
Ask About Evergreen
SILVER BELL
Plus a decorated artificial tree, 6 feet or taller
$250
Ask About Silver Bell
GOLD STAR
Plus a decorated artificial tree, 6 feet or taller
$500
Ask About Gold Star
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Plus a decorated artificial tree, 6 feet or taller
$1,000
Ask About Presenting
Display Requirements
Trees must include a sturdy stand and working LED lights. Wreaths must include a safe hanger. Donated displays become Post 581 property for fundraising.
NOVEMBER 6
Sponsor commitment & logo due
NOVEMBER 13
Sponsorship payment due
NOVEMBER 28
Tree & wreath setup · 3–7 p.m.
FIND YOUR FAVORITE
A Forest of Holiday Spirit
Explore the decorated trees and wreaths, then cast your free People’s Choice vote. One vote per attendee.
Tree and wreath drawings and a separate community tree raffle are planned for 3:30 p.m.
Drawing details and ticket pricing will be announced after licensing and committee approval. Ornament participation does not provide a raffle entry.
The Afternoon at a Glance
Noon
The celebration begins
Noon–3 p.m.
Photos with Santa
1:30–2 p.m.
Proposed cookie decorating contest
2:15 p.m.
Proposed cookie contest awards
3:15 p.m.
Proposed close of voting & ticket sales
3:30 p.m.
Planned tree & wreath drawings
4 p.m.
Event concludes
BE PART OF THE CELEBRATION
Sponsor. Vend. Volunteer.
Help bring this community Christmas event to life. Contact the Post about sponsoring a display, a Christmas market space, or lending a hand.
The proposed market includes up to six vendors at
$35 per table footprint. Veteran-owned businesses
are complimentary, with two spaces initially reserved.
Contact the Post for availability and application
details. Applications are due November 6.
Interested in a vendor space?
Proceeds support Post 581 veteran and community
programs. The committee will confirm the specific
beneficiary.
Where do the proceeds go?
PLAN YOUR VISIT
American Legion Post 581
Sunday, November 29, 2026
Noon–4 p.m. · Free admission
Post address:
375 E. Locust Street
Columbia, IL 62236
Final event room and location details will be confirmed by the committee.