HOULTON, Maine — The magic of the holidays is in full swing as the ninth annual Health Services Foundation’s Festival of Trees has returned to brighten people’s spirits.
Located at 436 Foxcroft Road, at Sunset Farm barn again this year, more than 50 beautifully decorated trees are on display. It marks the second straight year that the festival has been held at the barn.
“This venue really worked well last year, and the public seems to love it,” said Lori Weston, executive director for the Health Services Foundation. “The barn sets the tone and atmosphere very well.”
Attendees come from far and wide to take in the lights. Every tree is raffled off, with tickets costing $1 each. Many of the trees are loaded with gift certificates and prizes, some totalling as much as $1,400.
“We have had people come up from Bangor just to see the trees in previous years,” Weston said. “We had winners from all over last year, and we are hoping for more of the same.”
Last year, the festival generated a record-breaking $55,000, all through the sale of $1 tickets. In 2020, the festival did not take place due to concerns about COVID-19. In 2019, the festival raised $34,000 for the charitable organization.
“Every tree is different and unique in its own way,” Weston said. “Some of them are not even trees, technically, but they are very creative.”
The festival runs daily from 4-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14 through Thursday, Nov. 17. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the doors will open at 9 a.m. for visitors. An open house celebration is slated for Saturday from 4-8 p.m. with a bonfire, snacks and a visit from Santa Claus.
Winning tickets will be drawn Sunday at 2 p.m. Individuals do not need to be present to win.
Proceeds from the festival have helped the local hospital, area clinics, municipalities and area schools by providing critically needed equipment, programs, technology upgrades and medical options that, in turn, meant better care.
“The mission of Health Services Foundation is to provide equipment for the hospital and other non-profit groups connected to health care,” Weston said. “We really try to make a difference.”
For information, contact Weston at hsflweston@pwless.net or by calling 207-521-2147.
HOULTON, Maine — November 14, 2022 — A variety of trees are on display at the Sunset Farm barn on Foxcroft Road as more than 50 beautifully decorated trees are on display for the 2022 Health Services Foundation’s Festival of Trees. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — November 14, 2022 — Trees of all shapes and sizes are on display at the Sunset Farm barn on Foxcroft Road as more than 50 beautifully decorated trees are on display for the 2022 Health Services Foundation’s Festival of Trees. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — November 14, 2022 — A “Grinch” tree is one of many themed trees on display this year. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — November 14, 2022 — Sara Boutlier of Houlton checks out some of the many trees on display at the Sunset Farm barn on Foxcroft Road as more than 50 beautifully decorated trees are on display for the 2022 Health Services Foundation’s Festival of Trees. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
