Akron’s beloved Holiday Tree Festival returns for its 45th year, opening to the public on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. and running through Nov. 22 at the John S. Knight Center. More than 150 trees, each built and decorated by local volunteers, will line the venue’s halls, with all proceeds earmarked for Akron Children’s Hospital programs and services.
Community families turn unexpected gifts into tradition
Ken Waters and Wendy Greathouse first joined the festival about five years ago after an accidental Amazon delivery left them with a large Little Tikes dump‑truck toy. Rather than return it, the couple repurposed the truck as the centerpiece of a transportation‑themed Christmas tree. Their creation, nicknamed “Cat‑astrophic” after their cat Tallulah, sparked a lasting involvement with the event.
“We just think it’s a fun thing to do with Children’s Hospital. They’ve always been there for us when our daughter was really ill, and we want to give back,” Greathouse said. Their tree is one of many that honor children cared for at the hospital.
Volunteer effort fuels the festival
Festival chair Susan Berk, who leads the effort that began in 1982 with 15 women volunteers, notes that the event now relies on roughly 500 volunteers. This year they will assemble 84 wreaths and 179 holiday gifts for sale. Items that do not sell at the preview gala on Friday will remain available during the public days.
“It’s a full family experience,” Berk said, adding that children can enjoy coloring pages, write letters to Santa, and watch musical performances. The schedule, posted on the Akron Children’s website, also includes visits from Santa himself.
Funds directed to critical hospital needs
Proceeds first cover event costs, keeping admission free for all. The remaining money is allocated after direct conversations with hospital CEO Christopher Gessner to identify the areas of greatest need.
In the past two years, the festival helped fund Abridge, an artificial‑intelligence platform that streamlines doctors’ documentation of patient visits. “It’s been a game changer for the doctors and the nurses in the hospital,” Berk said, expressing pride that the festival’s earnings support such innovative tools.
Personal stories shine through each tree
Kelly Benjamin’s space‑themed tree honors her son Drew, who drowned at age 2½ after wandering away due to autism. Her displays also raise awareness about the dangers of wandering for autistic children.
Alexandra Ellesin, a 66‑year‑old resident of Alliance, has been decorating a tree in memory of her two sons, Alex (3) and Zeff (5), who died in a 2000 car accident. For 26 years she has kept the tradition alive, using themes ranging from angels to polar bears, and now a classic Christmas design with bells and golden bows.
South Summit Dispatch Center’s emergency‑communications team contributes a “Carol of the Bells” tree each year. Dispatcher Nikki Hays says the project “puts me in the Christmas spirit,” while colleague Melissa Blair adds, “People support first responders, and this is our way of giving back because they support us.”
How to attend
The festival is free and open to anyone in the Akron area. Visitors can explore the trees, purchase wreaths and gifts, and enjoy the holiday entertainment. A full schedule is available on the Akron Children’s website.
By turning personal loss, community spirit, and volunteer dedication into a festive celebration, the Holiday Tree Festival continues to embody the love and giving that define Akron’s caring neighborhoods.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
