Loose Leaf Notes

– The following first appeared in the December 24, 2014 issue of The  Floyd Press with a larger selection of photos and captions.

Winterfest, the Jacksonville Center for the Arts’ longest running event, added a new feature to their 20^th annual weekend festival of local arts and crafts.

More than 40 local businesses decorated trees for a Festival of Trees.  Uniquely trimmed with Floyd themes, the trees lit up the art center’s newly renovated classroom.

“Everybody’s a winner,” said Jax board member Sally Rugaber on Saturday (December 6th).  She explained how festival-goers bid on their favorite trees with the highest bidders taking home their chosen trees at the close of the festival on Sunday.  Bidding proceeds will go to support the center’s art programs, Rugaber said.

Participating local businesses stepped up for the event and showed off their creativity. The Hotel Floyd tree was decorated by guests with items found around the hotel and included a gift certificate for one night’s stay at the hotel, said Kamala Bauers, co-owner of the hotel.

The Floyd Country Store tree was topped with an old-fashioned lollipop.  An oversized knitted star was the highlight topper of the Wooly Jumpers Yarn tree.

The Farmers Supply tree was adorned with eye-catching red fishing bobbers and was topped with a miniature pitchfork. Miniature wooden doll furniture hung from the Mainly Mattresses & Furniture Store tree, and Joanne Bell’s beveled glass suncatchers were featured in the Bell Gallery tree.

Winterfest 2014 also featured the arts and crafts of 34 local artisans, visits with Santa, creative activities for kids and the Jax Café.

Organizers and attendees commented that this year’s festival turnout was the best they could remember and that the Festival of Trees was a highlight attraction and a fun way to support the center.