26th Annual Festival of Trees to Benefit LATC Students
WATERTOWN, SD – Glittering trees, festive wreaths and the spirit of giving will once again fill the Lake Area Technical College Student Center as the Foundation hosts its 26th Annual Festival of Trees on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
The Festival of Trees, held each year on the Friday before Thanksgiving, draws more than 400 guests, donors and business partners. The evening features live and silent auctions of decorated trees, wreaths, holiday displays and unique items donated by individuals and businesses.
Tickets are $100 per guest and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, a social hour, live music by Todd Kieffer of TODD LIVE Music and complimentary wine and beer. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. Attendees are encouraged to wear semi-formal holiday attire.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available, many which include reserved tables for eight guests. Additional seats may be purchased individually by calling the Foundation.
Lake Area Technical College Executive Director Tracy Buisker said sponsorships help lower event costs and allow the Foundation to award more scholarships. She added that nearly 450 scholarships, totaling more than $450,000, were awarded to students from the Foundation last year and that much of this could be attributed to the Festival of Trees.
“The Festival of Trees is not only a cherished holiday tradition, it’s a celebration of community support for our students,” Buisker said. “Every dollar raised, helps us build a better Lake Area Tech.”
For more information on the Festival of Trees, please contact the Lake Area Technical College Foundation at 605.882.5284 x308.
