A giving tradition — Community generosity drives festival success

More than $500,000 has quietly moved through Newcastle and Weston County over the past two decades, strengthening nonprofits, funding essential services and helping neighbors weather hard times. That remarkable impact traces back to a simple idea Pinnacle Bank launched in 2003: invite people in, celebrate the holidays and auction off a few decorated trees for a good cause.

The inaugural event raised roughly $900. Twenty-two years later, the totals routinely climb into the tens of thousands, and the Festival of Trees has become one of the most influential charitable traditions in the region. Pinnacle Bank’s Regional President, Justin Tystad, still marvels at how far the event has come since those early days.

“Instead of doing an open house, we wanted to invite people into the bank and have an event that created a benefit for our community,” he said. “Twenty-three years later we’ve raised over $500,000 for nonprofits in Newcastle and Weston County.”

The 2025 event, set for Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. at the Weston County Senior Services Center, is expected to push that legacy even further, and Tystad said the generosity behind the events’ success shouldn’t surprise anyone who knows Weston County. 

“It is staggering, but then you look at the generosity of our community and it makes sense,” he said. “We really rally around people in need.”

The creativity of donors has grown right alongside the bids. Wyoming-themed trees, alcohol-themed wreaths, displays incorporating firearms and large custom pieces have all made appearances. One of the most memorable moments came when A-1 Agency donated a full-sized sleigh, and the bidding war set a record. 

“It was an incredible gesture … and just an incredible evening,” Tystad recalled.

This year’s festival will support Helping Hands of Weston County, the Newcastle Community Handbell Choir and Weston County Senior Services — three organizations meeting direct and growing needs in the community.

For Helping Hands, which provides financial assistance for medical travel and related needs, the festival’s support is nothing short of essential. 

“Without it, we would not succeed,” board member Todd Roseborough said.

He reported that the group helped more than 50 people last year and distributed over $20,000 in aid, and noted that assistance is available to anyone with a qualifying need. 

“It is not income based at all. It is need based,” Roseborough added.

The Newcastle Community Handbell Choir — now in its third decade — will use festival proceeds to sustain an art form that enriches churches, care facilities and community events across the region. The group’s performances are often deeply meaningful to audiences.

“I can’t even describe the feeling that we get when we do a performance well,” said Elaine Wilcomb, the choir’s director.

The cost of maintaining five octaves of bells and related equipment has risen sharply. Insurance, gloves, protective cases, tables and other materials all add up, and the bells’ scheduled refurbishing and retuning in Pennsylvania this year will cost roughly $5,000. 

“The funds (from the festival) will make a big impact,” Wilcomb said.

Weston County Senior Services — host of the Festival of Trees since 2005 — served more than 25,000 meals last fiscal year, provided over 2,200 transportation rides and continues to expand its outreach. The organization supports local seniors with meals, medical equipment rentals, transportation inside and outside the county, and a community space used by multiple groups. 

Board member Jed Piper said the festival’s influence extends far beyond the senior center itself. 

“The way Newcastle steps up for that festival always amazed me,” he said. “They tend to open up their pocketbooks, but it is for wonderful causes.”

The Festival of Trees has also grown into Newcastle’s largest social gathering of the year. Former coordinator Amy Hoffman described it as “a melting pot of the community — ranchers, business owners, workers, the refinery. There is something for everybody there.” Reserved tables now number around 15 annually, and the atmosphere blends hospitality, celebration and friendly competition.

Live bidding is a major driver of the event’s energy. Current coordinator Cedar Scribner said the intensity of the auction is unforgettable every year. 

“People get so into bidding that it just gives me goose bumps,” she said. Some items have even been purchased and donated back repeatedly to raise additional funds. “Everybody wants to be a part of it.”

Participation remains intentionally open to anyone — businesses, families, individuals, youth groups or anyone who simply enjoys decorating a wreath. Admission is free. 

“You can just show up and be there and see an amazing evening,” Scribner said.

For Tystad, the heart of the festival is unchanged. 

“The best thing about the festival is being able to help the less fortunate in our community,” he said. “We’ll continue doing this until we can’t anymore.”