Holiday event features more than 200 spectacular Christmas trees on display for two weeks and then raffled off to attendees to enjoy in their own home.
.FESTIVAL OF TREES KICKS OFF 2008 HOLIDAY SEASON
Largest annual fundraising event in Merrimack Valley will draw more than 25,000 visitors from all over New England and beyond.
METHUEN, Mass., October 21, 2008 – The 15th Annual Festival of Trees will once again kick off the holiday season when more than 200 spectacular Christmas trees, decorated in the most creative themes, will be unveiled on November 22nd. The trees will be on display for two weeks lighting up the city of Methuen and then raffled off to attendees to enjoy in their own home. This magical family event celebrates the spirit of the holiday season with the sole purpose to provide funding to preserve not only Methuen’s heritage and monuments, but also the historical monuments in surrounding cities and towns that are so important to theses communities.
“Each year we are amazed at how this event brings surrounding communities together,” said Maureen Pollard, President of the Festival of Trees. “Local residents, businesses, community groups and more than 200 volunteers donate their time, money and creativity to give back during the holiday season. Their generosity has greatly contributed to the success of the Festival of Trees.”
2008 Highlights
The Festival of Trees Celebrates Children –
Puppet Shows
Saturday, November 22nd - Romper Rhythm Puppets present "The Elves and the Shoemakers" and "The Gingerbread Boy". Shows at 4:00 and 6:00.
Magic Shows
Sunday, November 23rd - B. J. Hickman Magic Show. Shows at 1:00 and 3:00.
Book Readings
Tuesday, December 2nd - "Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins" will be read at 6:30. Children will be taught how to use a dreidel.
Saturday, November 29th – “'Twas the Night before Christmas” will be read at 3:00 by a KISS 108 radio personality.
Santa Visits (Photographer will be available.)
Friday, November 28th, from 10:00 until 2:00.
Saturday, November 29th, from 10:00 until 2:00.
Sunday, November 30th, from 10:00 until 2:00.
Saturday, December 6th, enjoy "Breakfast with Santa" from 10:00 until 12:00. Donuts, muffins, juice and milk will be served.
Movies
Tuesday, November 25th - "Olive, the Other Reindeer" at 6:30 with “biscuits” being served.
Friday, November 28th - "The Polar Express" at 3:00 with cocoa and chocolates being served.
Sunday, November 30th - "The Christmas Witch" at 3:00 with Christmas cake being served.
Live Auction Preview Party - The Festival silent auction begins taking bids on November 22nd and will go “live” on Friday, December 5th .
Seniors and Red Hatters Weekend – On Saturday, November 22nd, and Sunday, November 23rd, all seniors and Red Hatters are free all weekend from 10:00 to 9:00. On Saturday, Karen Blake from Oldies 103.3 will be making a personal appearance at the Festival from 2:00 until 4:00. Come and join in the fun and have a chance to meet her and win fun prizes.
Tree Raffle – During the Festival, attendees can purchase a sheet of 26 tickets for $5 for a chance to win one of the more than 200 incredible trees to enjoy in their own home for the holidays. The trees are raffled off on Saturday, December 6, at 6:30 p.m.
Preservation Grant Program – The Festival of Trees has expanded their Preservation Grant Program to other cities and towns beyond Methuen. During the Festival, attendees are encouraged to cast a vote for chosen area restoration projects that are in the running to receive the next matching $10,000 grant awarded by the Festival of Trees.
“Over the last fourteen years, our organization has been instrumental in restoring the history and beauty of the city of Methuen, “ said Pollard. “We wanted to expand the efforts to other cities or towns to help raise awareness of the importance of preserving these historical buildings and structures.”
This holiday extravaganza is open November 22 through December 6, 2008. Open weekdays from 5:00-9:00 p.m. and on weekends from 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving. General Admission is $8.00 and children under 12 are free. The Festival is located at Valley Office Park at 13 Branch Street, Methuen, MA. Route 93 N or S, Exit 46 - follow signs for Rt. 113 W. Ample parking and complete handicap accessibility. For more information, please call (978) 685-8878 or visit the Website at www.methuenfestivaloftrees.com <http://www.methuenfestivaloftrees.com> .
About the Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees was begun to fund the restoration of the Tenney Gatehouse. It is a magical event held annually by the Methuen Festival of Trees, Inc., to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. The Festival is dedicated to the richness and history of our community by developing partnerships with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the City of Methuen, the Methuen Historic District Commission, the Methuen Historical Society, and the people and organizations of Methuen. The proceeds from the Festival of Trees provide funding to preserve our heritage and the monuments that make Methuen so unique. To date, $750,000 has been raised to fund local preservation projects.
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