Plans underway to expand Festival of Trees
PRESQUE ISLE — While it may seem early, planning for the 2015 Festival of Trees is underway. The date has been chosen along with a new venue to accommodate expansion.
Contributed photo
CHRISTMAS IN JULY? – Well, sort of. Dr. Norma Desjardins, left, and Sherry Chamberland, event chairperson, are already at work planning this year’s Festival of Trees event to benefit the St. Apollonia Dental Clinic in Presque Isle. Last year’s festival was such a success that a larger venue was needed; the 2015 fundraiser will be held at Northern Maine Community College in December.
This holiday event features businesses, professional offices, retailers, community groups and individuals decorating and donating artificial trees that become part of a Christmas tree raffle. The fundraiser, which benefits the St. Apollonia Dental Clinic, will be held this year at Northern Maine Community College Dec. 4-6 .
“We needed a larger venue this year because of the popularity and participation in the event last year,” says Dr. Norma Desjardins, clinic director. “Last year we had 25 sponsored trees. The Shriners in Lewiston have a 10-year history with this event and it’s grown every year. This year we anticipate having 50 charming trees for the public to enjoy and which will be raffled.”
There is no fee to sponsor a tree—often the sponsors decorate with a theme in mind and will add gifts associated with their business which become part of the prize. Also featured will be a community spirit tree which will have donated items from several businesses. Last year the tree was worth $1,200.
“We were out of floor space last year and would have had difficulty fitting one more tree in the Knights of Columbus Hall in Presque Isle. We actually reached capacity for the electrical load,” said event chairperson, Sherry Chamberland. “We are very grateful for the space supplied last year for our inaugural event. With so much success we sought a larger venue to support expected growth.”
Proceeds benefit the dental clinic in Presque Isle, a 501c3 nonprofit community clinic, to buy supplies and equipment and help with operating costs.
“While the ultimate goal is to raise funds for the clinic, it also adds a family-oriented event to the holiday festivities in our area. It gives businesses an opportunity to do some creative advertising and to participate in some team-building activities for employees,” explained Chamberland.
Admission will be $2 per person and free for children under 12. Raffle tickets are sold at $5 for 10 tickets. Patrons wander through the winter-wonderland display of trees and drop raffle tickets in one or more buckets associated with the tree(s) they hope to win. One winning ticket will be drawn for each of the decorated trees and their related gifts at the end of the weekend. Refreshments are available throughout the event.
Tree sponsors have their names prominently displayed along with their tree and will be included in the advertising fliers promoting the festival. Those interested in sponsoring a tree should contact Sherry Chamberland via e-mail at sherry@norstartitle.com.
