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Festival of Trees Brings Christmas Spirit to Life

Posted on: Wednesday, 8 December 2004, 15:00 CST

How many ways can you decorate a Christmas tree? Find out with a visit to Westbrook Warren Congregational Church, where holiday trees are the star attraction.

Pat Wilson organized the first Festival of Trees in memory of her mother.

"I wanted something to honor her and I started doing this. (Westbrook Warren) was the only place with enough space for it," said Wilson.

The church is holding a week's worth of family events starting Friday. But the centerpiece will be 40 Christmas trees, each decorated by an area business or organization.

One of them is a Mystery Gift Tree, with more than 200 raffle items perched among its branches. Participants will pay $10 and get a prize worth at least that amount. One lucky person will win a diamond.

"Right now we're getting everything set up. We've got kindergarteners, second-graders and Scouts all coming in to set up the tree," said Wilson.

Children will show up later in the week for parties, and the doors will remain open throughout the week for people to see the display.

Breakfast with Santa is always a popular event. Wilson tells everyone she met him on a bus and told him she thought he looked like Santa. "That's because I am," he said. The breakfast will be Saturday morning.

Wilson said more than 1,800 people signed the guest book last year and that doesn't include several senior groups that arrived for the annual Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

Wild hats are optional, but many wear them and enjoy tea and sandwiches - on silver service - made by Marian Broaddus and music from a gospel duo.

Admission is always free, but donations will be accepted.

Proceeds from every event go to the Westbrook Together Days and assorted Westbrook charities. Sonya O'Malley of the Westbrook Chamber of Commerce is also an event organizer.

For more information call 854-4147.

Festival hours

Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday: noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

Monday through Dec. 17: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 6 to 8 p.m.

Dec. 18: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Events

Friday: Appreciation Night, 6 to 8 p.m., Chopin Club, by invitation only;

Saturday: Breakfast with Santa, 8 to 10 a.m.; Westbrook High School Bell Ringers, 2 p.m.; sleigh ride, 7 to 9 p.m.;

Sunday: Teddy Bear Tea Party, 1 p.m.; Tiny Tim Night, 6 to 8 p.m.;

Monday: Mad Hatter's Tea Party, 1 to 3 p.m.; Girl Scout Night, 6 to 8 p.m.;

Tuesday: Prides Corner Kindergarten Parties, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Canal/Congin Chorus, 7 p.m.;

Dec. 15: Saccarappa Kindergarten Parties, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Boy Scout Night, 6 to 8 p.m.;

Dec. 16: Ecumenical worship service, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17: Tips for Charity luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Doc Stockwell on the Piano and Westbrook High School Choral Group, 7 p.m.; Dec. 18: Mystery Gift Tree, 10 a.m.

Source: Portland Press Herald

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