Mt. Pleasant’s first annual Festival of Trees to Benefit EveryStep Hospice

Mt. Pleasant is known for its holiday season celebrations that are reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. Festivities include “Pink Friday,” the Friday before Black Friday, which promotes the town’s local businesses. The lighted holiday parade is also a Mt. Pleasant tradition that draws crowds to the town square for cocoa and treats, local business specials and of course, the parade.

This year’s celebration will include the launch of a new tradition — Mt. Pleasant’s annual Festival of Trees, and part of the proceeds will benefit EveryStep Hospice, a nonprofit health care provider.

Cindy Wardle, owner of Sorta Sweet Boutique on Mt. Pleasant’s town square, is organizing the event, which begins Nov. 15 at 111 Monroe Street, just around the corner from her store, and EveryStep Hospice’s team office in Mt. Pleasant. Local businesses and individuals are donating and decorating a tree or wreath, which will be on display at the space.

For three weekends, visitors can walk through the indoor forest of trimmed trees and wreaths. An entrance fee of $5 for individuals and $10 per family will be donated to Main Street Mt. Pleasant, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the downtown’s historic character.

Each decorated tree and wreath will be available for sale at a live auction at 8 p.m. following the lighted parade on Dec. 5. Proceeds from the tree and wreath auction will be donated to EveryStep Hospice.

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“It’s so convenient for businesses or families to find the tree they love and just take it home,” Wardle said. “We literally wrap the decorated tree in plastic so all you have to do is take it home, unwrap it and enjoy.”

Decorations are attached to the trees with adhesive, so they don’t fall off.

“I think people need to learn what hospice is all about and be more educated about it,” Wardle said. “EveryStep Hospice in Mt. Pleasant is a great neighbor, and the auction benefits a great cause.”

EveryStep Hospice is Iowa's oldest and largest nonprofit, community-based hospice provider. Since launching its hospice program in 1978, thousands of Iowans have turned to EveryStep to find comfort and care when they needed it most. The EveryStep Hospice team in Mt. Pleasant serves residents in Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Van Buren and Washington counties. To learn more about EveryStep Hospice, visit https://www.everystep.org/services/hospice.

If you or someone you know is struggling to find the support they need, please contact EveryStep at 319-385-4472 or complete the commitment-free, confidential “Find Care” form on EveryStep’s website at https://www.everystep.org/find-care. EveryStep staff will follow up with a phone call to answer your questions and provide assistance.