The first annual Festival of Wreaths is kicking off in Cortez with Community Connections and 20 business sponsors and more than a dozen business donors.

Local board member Cynthia Sadler suggested expanding the Festival of Trees to Cortez as the Festival of Wreaths as a way to light up spirits and Main Street while bringing awareness to Community Connections’ work supporting those with disabilities.

Wreath sponsorships this year include David Arkenstone, Cliffrose Garden Center and Gifts, Connie and Paul Cassidy, Howard Pack DDS/Cortez Dental, Dawn Hanson and Patrick Dillon, Diane Arkenstone, Dolores State Bank, Four Corners Community Bank, House of Carpets, JC Pets, Kokopelli Bike & Board, La Casita Mexican Restaurant, Mary Hanson, RDF Gun Shop, REMax Mesa Verde Realty, Tammy and Jerry Smith, The Mail Room, Cynthia and Dickerman Sadler, Andrew Cuckie/Edward Jones and Methodist Thrift Store.

Josh McHenry of COWest Insurance is sponsoring a tree for the third year in a row that will be on display at the Cortez Welcome Center. Businesses including Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch, The Farm Bistro, Four Corners Textile Recycling, High Desert Life, Garcia Jewelry, Snooty’s Pet Salon and Dolores River Brewery have donated cash or gift cards.

As a part of a combined Festival of Trees and Wreaths, entirely online this year, participants may view and bid on 40 wreaths and 25 trees, and buy raffle tickets for a chance to win one of five raffle prize packages valued at over $3,500 combined which include regional lodging, dining and outdoor adventure activities plus a COVID essential package with gas, grocery, hardware and cleaning gift cards.

The festival runs from Dec. 4 to 6 at www.CCIFOT.givesmart.com or by texting CCIFOT to 76278.

For information, email cynthia.sadler@cci-colorado.org or call 739-4977.