Festival of Trees raises over $8,000

The Saratoga Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce raised a gross of $8,785 at this year’s Festival of Trees.

After expenses, the money will be divided to help Saratoga’s High School’s Close Up group and Encampment’s ProStart with traveling expenses.

“Raising $8,000 or $9,000 is a good year,” chamber director Stacy Crimmins said.

A bid record was broken with Gary Francis’ hand-made gun cabinet - “Shooting for a Great Christmas”; it sold for $1,250.

Hack’s Tackle’s tree “Casting Merry Wishes Your Way”, garnered $900 this year and Bella’s Bistro’s “The Twelve Wines Christmas” received an $800 bid.