CEDAR FALLS - Karolyn Sandkamp tucks copper-brown eucalyptus twigs into the branches of the artificial Christmas tree, then begins hanging ornaments in the same rich hue. Several trees away, Peg Ascherl and Nancy Ascherl attach decorative metal "Let It Snow" signs, icicles and white and blue snowflakes to their tree.

Throughout the terrazzo-tiled lobby at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, decorators fluff, tuck, nestle and adorn trees, creating a glittering gallery as part of the 19th annual Sartori Auxiliary's Festival of Trees. Activities began Friday, with public viewing beginning Thursday through next Sunday. "Rockin' Around the Holidays" is this year's theme, and activities include a gourmet luncheon and style show, Taste of the Season bake sale and gala dinner and auction. Several events, including Jingle Bell Rock and Sock Hop Bop, have taken place.

The 1950's-flavored theme is reflected in several trees, including "It's Martini Time," sporting retro '50s bubble lights and holiday-themed martini glasses. Sandkamp, a commercial interior designer, decided to create a tree that would serve the tree sponsor, the Western Home. "I decided to do more of a 'home for the holidays' tree. I wanted it to be elegant, something the wonderful residents at the Western Home could enjoy," she says.

She enlisted volunteers Pat Muchmore and Gloria Congdon to help dress the tree with stylized white velvet poinsettias and silky blue magnolias, as well as eucalyptus twigs and 108 ornaments. "I didn't want a topper, because I want the eye to go to the entire tree for an overall effect." Sandkamp explains.

The Ascherl sisters, both of Cedar Falls, are decorating their tree for The Courier, wrapping packages in section fronts and bows to tuck under the tree branches as a finishing flourish. "It's always fun to decorate the trees, coming up with ideas," says Peg. Last year, they used shower curtain rings and outlandishly large faux gemstones to create "crown jewels" for a Renaissance theme.

Lori Gutnecht, owner of White Wings Bird Release, created a white and silver themed tree. "I was inspired by my dove release business, and I think the tree is a good reflection of that," she explains. It was created for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare.

White feather boas weave through the branches as a garland and all styles of delicate and sparkling dove ornaments dangle from the branches. Gutnecht's friend, Patty Pruisner, created the frothy tree topper. "I decorated most of it at home, then loaded it up and brought it here for the final touches," Gutnecht says.

She rode with the tree in the back of a horse trailer. "I wanted to make sure it didn't fall over," she adds, smiling.

Proceeds from this year's Festival will be used for state-of-the-art equipment for the operating room and emergency departments at Sartori Memorial Hospital. For more information, call 268-3025 or visit www.covhealth.com/festival.asp.

Contact Melody Parker at (319) 291-1429 or melody.parker@wcfcourier.com.