Concern by organizers over the economy's effect on Rhea-diant Holiday Celebration Festival of Trees was dispelled as a large turnout helped top the amount raised in 2011, according to co-chairperson of the event Marcia Crews.

"It was a success. We didn't know how it would be with the economy, but we raised over $26,000 and that is $1,000 more than last year," Crews said.

For further details, see the Wednesday edition of The Herald-News.