Festival of Lights expects big crowds

Iowans from all over the state are expected to visit the state’s largest”Festival of Trees and Lights” which opened last night in Des Moines.Jennifer Perry, spokeswoman for Blank Children’s Hospital for which thefestival is a major fundraiser, says there are 100 designer-decorated treesin addition to all sorts of family activities. While many of the trees willbe going to big dollar corporate bidders, Perry says many others will beavailable to the general public. Perry says Blank Children’s Hospital isIowa’s only hospital that’s only dedicated to treating children. She saysthat’s why this event draws so many people from central Iowa and from allover the Hawkeye State. Perry says this year’s fundraiser goal is lofty. The19th annual festival is at the Varied Industries Building of the Iowa StateFairgrounds. Hours, today through Saturday, are 10 AM to 7 PM, and Sundayfrom 10 AM to 5 PM.