GOWRIE - Even though winter is just around the corner, the Gowrie Development Commission is hoping to make a splash at this years Festival of Trees.

The third annual Festival of Trees will kick off Nov. 27, and will benefit the community's swimming pool, which is in need of more than $1 million in renovations and upgrades.

"Everything will go to the pool again this year," said Greta Jansa, executive director of the Gowrie Development Commission. "And we're planning to kick off a capital campaign for the pool sometime after Christmas."

This year, the festival has moved to a new location, an auto garage on Elm Street just south of downtown. With more room to expand, this year's festival will feature more trees than ever.

"We're at our record this year," Jansa said. "We'll have 58 trees on display."

Trees of all sizes, shapes and colors created by local businesses, churches, families and clubs can be found along a path, which winds throughout the garage transforming it into a holiday wonderland.

An upside down Mardi Gras-themed tree in purple and gold was decorated by Faith Lutheran Church, Nutcrackers made from recycled potato chip cans stacked in the shape of a Christmas tree was designed by the third and fourth grade classes at Prairie Valley Elementary School, the Gowrie Public Library tree will feature books, as well as a beach and water theme to go along with its summer reading program and the pool. The Prairie Valley Schools will have a tree that will celebrate the recent successes of this fall's cheer squad, football, volleyball and cross country teams and will also display the trophies earned by each group. Numerous other trees on display will feature angels, photographs, fire trucks, cars and traditional Christmas themes.

The Festival of Trees will be open weekends starting Nov. 27 and will continue through Dec. 20. Special group tours during non-open hours may also be arranged by contacting Jansa at 352-3193.

Other holiday activities planned by the Gowrie Development Commission are the Santa's run, in which participants may obtain a game card beginning Nov. 27, to be stamped when they patronize each participating local business and turned in for the chance to win prizes on Dec. 19; free roller skating and photos with Santa Claus at the Wheels of GYC Skate Center Dec. 12 and the holiday lighting contest Dec. 19.

"It's an opportunity for people to shop locally and become aware of some of the businesses we have here," Jansa said of the second annual Santa's Run activity.

Contact Emilie Nelson at (515) 573-2141 or enelson@messengernews.net