Festival of Trees draws sell-out crowd

Havre Daily News/Nikki Carlson

Emcee Doug Kaercher helps sell Triangle Communications' "Frosty's Magical Christmas" tree during the tree auction at the Fourth Annual Festival of Trees Friday evening in the former Bi-Mart location at the Holiday Village Mall.

The old Bi-Mart location at Holiday Village Mall was lit with bright holiday decorations. Fourteen Christmas trees were decorated in a variety of creative ways. Food was being served.

The Fourth Annual Festival of Trees attracted a sold-out crowd of people who were in a festive mood and ready to have a good time while donating to the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line.

But the biggest applause of the night was not for the trees or the organizers of the night.

Instead, the crowd rose to its feet and cheered when it was announced that Stu and Carol McIntosh had donated $200,000 to the Boys & Girls Club endowment fund.

Last year, club officials said, Stu McIntosh told them how important the youth of the community were to him.

"It was important to keep kids of the community off the streets and off dope, " he said.

"I'm happy to be able to do my part, " he said, after he and Carol McIntosh were called to the front of the room.

But that wasn't the end of the McIntoshes' contributions for the night.

The first auction of the night allowed the high bidder to pick any of the trees or the gifts.

After brisk bidding, Stu McIntosh topped others with a $2,300 bid.

He chose the "Upside-down Christmas" tree decorated by members of First Presbyterian Church.

Throughout the night. more trees went for some impressive prices.

One of the favorites, the "Merry-ani Tree" of the Hi-Line Tavern Association, a tribute to Havre resident Marc Mariani, Tennessee Titans star, netted $850 for the Boys & Girls Club.

The Upside-down tree won the People's Choice Award. People cast ballots for the best tree by donating money at Thursday's open house and Friday's celebration.

Susan Somers, the Boys & Girls Club chair, called the evening "an overwhelming success. "

"It reminded me once again what a great community we have, " she said.