Sparta’s Feztival of Trees raises record $40,000 for Shriners Children’s

Sparta’s Feztival of Trees drew about 2,000 visitors over its six-day run this year and raised $40,000 for Shriners Children’s — the most the event has ever generated, according to organizers.

Al Brueggen, vice chairperson of the Feztival of Trees committee, which is part of Zor Shriners, said the funds will support the wide range of treatments Shriners provides. The event featured 31 sponsored trees, a record for the five-year-old fundraiser held at Sparta’s Masonic Lodge.

Brueggen said setting a new fundraising record feels significant for the committee and reinforces the community’s enthusiasm for the annual holiday tradition.

“It was great, we’ve got really good community buy in. We’ve got a lot of sponsors, we’ve got some sponsors who are on the waiting list for next year,” Brueggen said. “It’s just a really great community event to start the Christmas season out and it all goes to a good cause.”

He said attendance was consistent with previous years.

Visitors offered positive feedback throughout the event, which ran from Nov. 17–22.

“It was a great start to the season. They love what we're doing,” Brueggen said. “They plan on being back next year and we have the support of the community, which is great, and it goes for a good cause.”

Organizers will hold a follow-up meeting soon before beginning planning for the 2026 event next summer.

Brueggen described this year’s Feztival of Trees as “just a great community event with community support.” He thanked the many businesses, sponsors and volunteers who helped make it successful.

“We look forward to seeing everybody next year again,” he said.

Lottery Tree – Lauren Zucco