LARC welcomes season with Festival of Trees

Fundraiser also includes many free public events

TORRINGTON — LARC’s 17th annual Festival of Trees opened on Nov. 20th at Valerie Manor, 1360 Torringford St., and continues daily until Nov. 29 with events for children and adults throughout the festival. Daytime hours are 1 to 7 p.m.

Guests can view the decorated, themed trees and other holiday decorations, and bid on a number of silent auction items including trees, gift baskets, wreaths, tabletop holiday displays and children’s items.

There will be opportunities throughout the week to enter raffles for tickets to this year’s main event, -the Festival Bash, on Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thomaston Savings Bank is presenting sponsor.

Tickets are $25 per person and include appetizers, an assortment of wines and non-alcoholic beverages, and holiday music. Tickets are available for purchase at www.litchfieldarc.org.

For those who are unable to attend the Festival Bash, bids can made through the afternoon on Thursday until 4 p.m. Any winners not in attendance will be called Thursday evening and arrangements can be made to pay for and pick up winnings.

With the exception of the Festival Bash, the following themed evenings are free and the public is welcome. Visit with Santa: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

LARC Appreciation Night, Monday, 3:30 to 5 p.m.

The Polar Express" Story Night, Tuesday 6 to 7 p.m.

“The Grinch” Story Night, Wednesday, 6 to 7 p.m.

The Festival of Trees is one of two major fundraising events LARC holds each year. The money is used to help local children attend Camp MOE and allows hundreds of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities enjoy the holiday party, spring and fall dinner dances, and summer pizza picnic. Proceeds from the festival have also provided field trips for students in the School to Community Transitions Program, and many recreational trips and activities throughout the year.

For information about the Festival of Trees, visit www.litchfieldarc.org

Lara Green-Kazlauskas / For Hearst Connecticut Media LARC held its annual Festival of Trees opening on Tuesday night at Valerie Manor in Torrington. Above, LARC representatives welcome guests at the opening.

A Valerie Manor resident enjoys the display.