EVENTS: Festival of Trees set for upcoming weekends

Alfond Youth & Community Center and Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce combine efforts to present Festival of Trees this holiday season, continuing a proud tradition.

Participation in this year’s event continues a fabulous holiday tradition. At the same time, money raised supports families in the community experiencing food insecurity through the services of Alfond Youth & Community Center and funds workforce development services and assistance through the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, meeting a need existing throughout our region.

Who doesn’t love a beautiful holiday tree? Imagine over 50 trees, each uniquely decked out in holiday cheer. This wonderful family event will be held at Waterville Elks Banquet & Conference Center, 76 Industrial Rd., Waterville from November 22 – 24 and November 29 – Dec. 1. Hours on both Fridays and Saturdays are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Festival of Trees will provide a magical experience that the whole family can enjoy. Admission for ages 12 and over is just $2 per person; children 12 and under are admitted for free. Children are also given a free book upon arrival.

Purchase and drop your individual tree tickets (just .50 each) into the bucket of your favorite tree and you could go home with a beautifully decorated tree complete with all trimmings, gift cards and merchandise displayed. Tree winners will be drawn after 5 p.m., Sunday, December 1, and notified that evening. Trees will be available for pickup the following Monday and Tuesday.

This year’s 50/50 experience has also been enhanced by increased prize amounts, with a maximum payout of $10,000 daily. Winners will be drawn each day and you do not need to be present to win. A note: in each of the cases of winning a tree or 50/50 amount, winners are responsible for any tax implications and a 1099 Form will be furnished for values exceeding $600.

Whether you visit to view the trees on display or are willing to volunteer some time to help staff the event, it will be time well-spent – and you will be helping support your community through your participation. It takes a substantial number of volunteers for an event of this magnitude. Several slots remain open, particularly for the weekend of November 29-30. For more information about volunteering for a shift, or shifts, please visit www.festivaloftreesmaine.net.