Tree Commission recaps inaugural Festival of Trees

Dec. 26—Following the completion of its inaugural Festival of Trees Event, The Cullman Tree Commission discussed its future plans to better prepare for next year.

Commission member Phyllis Hayne, who spearheaded the event, shared the successes of the event, which featured nine themed trees decorated by local school groups earlier this month at the Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center. Despite the commission's last-minute planning efforts, Haynes described the event as "a huge success" but found several key areas where she felt the commission could improve when planning for next year, mainly by beginning the process much earlier in the year.

Haynes said she had originally wanted to hold the tree-lighting ceremony Friday, Dec. 1, but decided to push the time back to the following day after learning the city of Cullman had already planned its annual Christmas Parade and tree lighting ceremony for the Cullman Christkindlmarkt to take place at the same time. The Saturday time slot had its own conflicts however, by overlapping with Iron Bowl.

"We were behind the curve on picking a time and date. My biggest recommendation would be to carefully look at the calendar and see what we are in competition with and try to find a time and place. If we want to have this event again, looking at that city schedule is imperative as you start planning," Haynes said.

Haynes also said as much as she enjoyed the visual impact the trees had in the CWAC lobby, feedback she received from several community members suggested a more public space might be better suited for any follow up events.

"I did have complaints along the way that it was almost like we were having it at a members only country club and people were skeptical if they could really go there. So it was a hindrance to people feeling welcome and if it was free because [CWAC] is somewhat private," Haynes said.

Based on Haynes' recap, Commission Chairman Barry Slatton said one of the biggest areas for improvement was recruiting more volunteers willing to help plan and organize events rather than relying on a single commission member.

"We need volunteers. We need to actively recruit volunteers and we can do this next year," Slatton said.

The commission also continued organizing its annual Arbor Day Poster contest which will be open to all fifth grade students from each of the five schools within the city limits of Cullman. Commission member planned to visit East Elementary, West Elementary, Sacred Heart, St. Pauls and Cullman Christian School to discuss the contest with teachers and encourage student participation. Prizes for this year's winners have been upped to $50 for first place and $20 for second place. Slatton also said he is currently in the process of having a custom throw blanket made which will also be presented to the first place winner.

Judging for the contest is scheduled to take place Monday, Feb. 5, at 10 a.m. in the Cullman County extension office.

In other business the commission:

—Introduced the city of Cullman's new arborist, Shane Bivins

—Accepted commission-member Peggy Harris' resignation.

Patrick Camp can be reached at 256-734-2131 ext. 238