Santa Claus made an early appearance in Pocatello on Tuesday, visiting local businesses to drum up support for the Festival of Trees scheduled for November. The holiday-themed promotional effort comes as organizers work to reassure the community that the beloved autumn event will proceed as planned.
The festival is set for November 19–21 at the Stephens Performing Arts Center. While Idaho State University has stepped back from organizing the event, the university is allowing continued use of the venue space for the annual celebration.
Community Concerns and Clarification
Some uncertainty had circulated about whether the Festival of Trees would continue this year, but committee organizers moved quickly to quash those rumors. Shelly Jones, a key committee member, emphasized that the event remains a fixture of Pocatello’s fall calendar.
“There was some talk that the event wasn’t going to happen, so we wanted to let people know it’s still going to happen,” Jones said. “We just want the community to know that it’s still gonna look the same. What most people don’t know is what’s changing. It’s who’s running it.”
On Tuesday, the committee handed out roughly 10 sponsor packets during its business visit, which included a stop at Citizens Community Bank. The temperature reached 80 degrees—warm for autumn promotion but well-suited to Santa’s cheerful demeanor.
Fundraising and Volunteer Recruitment
The committee is narrowing its fundraising focus this year to support two designated recipients. Those interested in volunteering or becoming sponsors can reach out to the committee by contacting pokyfestivaloftrees@gmail.com.
The Festival of Trees has long been a signature Pocatello community event, drawing families and supporters who purchase decorated trees, wreaths, and holiday items while contributing to local charitable causes. The shift in organizational structure reflects broader changes in how nonprofits and university partnerships evolve, but organizers are signaling continuity in the event’s look and feel.
What Comes Next
The committee will continue recruiting sponsors and volunteers through the summer and early fall, with the festival opening in mid-November. Additional details about decorated tree themes, vendor participation, and charitable recipient selection are expected as the event date approaches. Community members seeking to participate should watch for further announcements or reach out directly to the committee email address provided.