INCLUDES BIGFOOT SIGHTING VIDEO | You’ll be astounded to learn how quickly they sold out of their deluxe Holiday wreaths this year. Learn about this annual event’s past, and present — it continues to financially support this outer East Portland ‘gem’. Also learn about their Winter Solstice event this weekend …
In the Leach Botanical Garoden greenhouse, these visitors to the new WinterFest – José Perez and Bella Tucker, from Milwaukie – ponder which of the five remaining wreaths to buy.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As they watched the last of their 150 beautiful, hand-made, deluxe Holiday wreaths being sold, one after another, on December 6th – the first day of their new weekend-long “WinterFest” – volunteers at Leach Botanical Garden pondered aloud about how their annual Holiday fundraiser has grown so much over the past two decades.
When the Leach Botanical Garden’s WinterFest and Wreath Sale opened early at 9 a.m. to members of Leach Garden Friends – their nonprofit support group – eager buyers were lined up from the Upper Garden Greenhouse all the way west to the entry at SE 122nd Avenue. The crowd snatched up more than half of the wreaths for sale right at the start.
Volunteer cashier Kaye Fetscher rings up another wreath sale.
A second line grew for “general entry” guests, for their own opportunity to purchase a wreath when the doors opened to them at 10 a.m.
By 11:45 a.m. when East Portland News arrived, only five wreaths remained – and two more of those were sold in minutes.
Visiting from the Montavilla neighborhood, taking a stroll on the Aerial Tree Walk, is the Bergantz family.
Here’s a quick video tour of this year’s WinterFest, complete with a Bigfoot sighting:
More about this year’s WinterFest in a moment. But first, let’s look back on this event’s history:
This “first weekend in December” fundraiser started about 20 years ago – long before the Upper Garden’s plan was completed. Back then, folks came to the Manor House’s patio, and picked out fresh-cut greenery for them to take home and make swags, centerpieces, and wreaths.
Inside the Manor House were some examples of what could be created with that greenery. And, their Gift Shop was open for business, too.
CLICK HERE to see our story about their fundraiser in 2006!
Over the years, they added ready-made swags, wreaths, and unique artisan goods, with the early December celebration growing into a significant fundraiser for the organization.
This year, the Manor House hosted a WinterFest Market, featuring locally-made, fair- trade, and carefully-selected nature-themed gifts for sale.
In the Manor House, an expanded selection of gifts, from socks to books to puzzles to chocolate, awaited eager shoppers.
Here, shopping for gifts, are visitors Georgina Ottaviano and Tom Kubisiak.
“This year, our WinterFest included free entry to the Garden and featured extended gift shopping, garden walks, hot coffee, and Holiday cheer,” Leach Botanical Garden Program Director Jami LeBaron told East Portland News.
“In our main entrance in the Upper Garden, we counted 888 visitors this year; more may have entered through the lower gate who didn’t get counted.”
December 21: Winter Solstice at Leach Botanical Garden
Consider coming to the Winter Solstice day at Leach Botanical Garden.
Rain or shine – on Sunday, December 21st at either 10a.m. or at 1:00 p.m. [choose your arrival time] – join them for a cozy, reflective Winter Solstice at Leach Botanical Garden. Bundle up for the calming, contemplative beauty of the forest; then warm up inside with whimsical nature crafts and activities for all ages, along with sweet treats and drinks.
Come prepared to appreciate the many layers of winter. Your pre-registration helps them ensure that they have enough materials and treats for everyone.
TICKETS: $10 Adults | $9 Seniors | LGF Members $5 | Youth under 18 FREE. PURCHASE TICKETS: For 10:00 a.m. CLICK HERE | for 1:00 p.m. CLICK HERE. Leach Botanical Garden is located at 6704 SE 122nd Avenue, 97236.
© 2025 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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