TULALIP – Community Open House at the Festival of Trees at the Tulalip Resort Casino Nov. 30 was popular for people of all ages.

Kids gathered around tables where they could do Christmas crafts, while seniors came by van from various facilities around town.

Ashleigh Beard of Arlington came with her daughter Ava, 2 1/2. They came to look at the fancy-decorated trees. “The crafts were a fun surprise,” Beard said.

Of course seeing Santa was a highlight for Ava. She told him for Christmas she wanted “Anna and Elsa dresses” from Disney’s movie “Frozen.”

David and Gretchen Haynes of Everett were there with their grandson Jack McClelland, 6, who had heard about the event at school.

They were watching him for awhile, and he said, “I want to go to the Festival of the Trees,” Haynes said.

He added he was impressed, as he had never even been to the casino before.

Dolan Wernet of Marysville was there with his kids, grandkids and a great grandchild. While they liked the trees and listening to the choir, they were there for one main reason.

“They gotta see Santa,” he said.

Kayana Kunde, a senior at Marysville-Pilchuck High School, was there as a volunteer. She had never been to the event before either.

She said she is in the choir at M-P, but they weren’t one of the singing groups performing that day. “We’re not ready yet,” she joked.

Susie Black, the event coordinator for Providence Foundation, said they started Community Open House just a few years ago, and it’s always been a huge hit. It wouldn’t be possible without their sponsors, she added.

She said after school families come out and bring the kids, and the senior centers love to bring their residents out too.

Amy Cox, 91, came out on the van from Grandview. She said the trees are “absolutely gorgeous,” and she loves the music. But her favorite part is seeing so many other senior citizens out enjoying fellowship with one another “rather than sitting at home in their rocking chairs.”