KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Fantasy of Trees came to an end on Nov. 26, after filling the Knoxville Convention Center with glimmering holiday decorations and Christmas trees expertly decorated by a variety of community members and organizations.
The annual event attracts thousands of people every year over the course of a few days. It's meant to raise money for the East Tennessee Children's Hospital. Every year, organizers designate a specific program or area in the hospital to benefit.
This year, the Fantasy of Trees raised around $1.8 million for the hospital's neurology program. With the money, the children's hospital will increase the number of providers while also expanding the program's available space. It is also working to co-locate practices near diagnostic services, streamlining the treatment process from when patients receive a diagnosis to when they're treated.
The hospital will also introduce services like epilepsy monitoring to help support children's health in East Tennessee.
Organizers said around 56,000 people attended the event. It ran from Nov. 22 through Nov. 26, with a separate day on Nov. 21 for special ticket holders. People had the chance to purchase some of the trees at the festival and participate in a raffle. It also included entertainment and music from several groups located throughout East Tennessee, including solo artists, dance team performances and local groups.