The annual Festival of Wreaths runs for nine days at the Cortez Chamber of Commerce, bringing holiday cheer to the community.
The festival is hosted by Our Own Lives, a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Montezuma County. The nonprofit partners with Community Connections Inc. of Durango.
Bids on local business-sponsored wreaths and gift baskets aim to meet a $20,000 goal to fund activities for residents served by the nonprofit.
The event is in its sixth year and is the group’s primary fundraiser, said Rynetta Smith, residential program assistant for Our Own Lives.
“Our main goal with these individuals is to make them as independent as possible,” Smith said.
Money raised supports activities including art classes, basketball, swimming, bowling, Special Olympics and social gatherings.
Previously, wreaths were displayed in downtown businesses, Smith said.
“This year we decided to try something a little bit new and do it in one centralized location where we have all of our sponsors’ wreaths. Our community can come in, families can come in, enjoy a little bit of Christmas music.”
In addition to wreath and basket bidding, the nine-day event includes a Christmas story reading, carol singing and a visit from Santa Claus.
The festival’s nine days are scheduled as follows:
- Friday to Saturday, Nov. 28-30: Open 12-8 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 1: Open 4-8 p.m., with Storytime 6-7 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 2: Open 4-8 p.m., with Caroling 5-7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 3: Open 4-8 p.m., with meet-and-greet with Santa from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 4: Open 4-8 p.m., with caroling 5-7 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 5: Open 4-8 p.m., with Storytime from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 6: Open 12-8 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 7: Open 12-5 p.m.
The wreaths are the main attraction, sponsored by businesses including First Southwest Bank, Keesee Motors and Notah Dineh Trading. A gallery-like display reveals flowers, teapots, gift cards and dream catchers nestled into the evergreens.
Four themed gift baskets are also up for bid: family fun night, backyard barbecue, tea and coffee, and beer and wine, Smith said.
Cynthia Sadler, a former secretary of the board of Our Own Lives, said a partnership with Cortez Retail Enhancement helped the event grow from 20 wreaths in its first year to 60 last year.
Sadler said bringing people into the chamber offers a chance to educate visitors about the nonprofit’s work.
The Durango Festival of Trees & Wreaths is exhibited through Dec. 7 during regular hours at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train Museum. The official in-person event is Friday through Sunday, Dec. 5-7, from noon to 5 p.m.
