Preparing for the Festival of Trees
Macdonald Museum fundraiser brings Christmas spirit to Middleton
If you haven’t found that Christmas spirit by Dec, 3, drop into the Macdonald Museum in Middleton and check out the annual Festival of Trees.
You’ll leave in a festive mood and might even pick up some neat decorating ideas.
Museum director Janice Slauenwhite hopes 30 seven-foot conifers will be up and decorated throughout the museum, bringing some Christmas cheer to area residents who are free to come in and take a look starting Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. when the event is officially launched.
Slauenwhite said the trees are being ‘bought’ and decorated by local businesses, groups, or individuals in this annual fundraiser that also includes cookies, hot chocolate and photos with Santa opening night. So bring the kids. For a small fee digital photos of children with Santa can be purchased.
Slauenwhite said signs will indicate who has decorated each tree and the public will be given the opportunity to vote for their favourite with the winner receiving a prize basket and some online promotion.
Businesses, groups, or individuals purchasing a tree are free to trim their trees with items from their businesses, go with trad- itional décor, or come up with a decorating theme.
The Festival of Trees opens Dec. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. and continues until Dec. 7 and can be viewed from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on those days. Santa returns on Dec. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. with cookies and hot chocolate.
Slauenwhite said while trees must be taken down after the festival, those who wish to donate their trees to a local family in need can let museum staff know and arrangements will be made for that to happen.
While a number of trees have already been purchased, there are plenty left. Any business, group, or individual wanting to take part can contact the museum at 902-8256116 or drop by at 21 School St.