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Millbrook’s first Festival of Trees a success

Millbrook’s first Festival of Trees a success
Attendees ranked their favorite trees, each decorated by local merchants and organizations, from 1 to 10 at Town of Washington’s first Festival of Trees on Dec. 2. 
Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

MILLBROOK — Those who stopped by the Town of Washington Park Recreation Center on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 2 found 10 Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and organizations competing for votes.

Opening the event was a performance by the choir singers of Alden Elementary School’s third grade, led by Katherine Wimmers Donaghey; they sang holiday songs against the backdrop of a gingerbread village.

Christmas music persisted in the background throughout the festivities. There were holiday craft projects, hot cocoa, cookies, cupcakes and other treats. Each person got a pen and a ballot with a list of trees.

Reardon Briggs had a tree decorated with paintbrushes, paint swatches and measuring tape; Merritt Books’ tree was book-themed; the Millbrook Early Childhood Education Center’s featured ornaments handmade by children; Babette’s Kitchen’s had cookie cutters and coffee containers.

The winner was Juniper, a boutique gift shop on Franklin Avenue, for a classic red and white Christmas tree. 

The event’s success prompted discussion of having trees for residents to decorate next year, and possibly a second day to the event as well. Town recreation director Danielle Scalewicz said that next year, “I’m hoping to have the whole park lit up so people can walk around outside and enjoy the display.”

Judith O’Hara Balfe

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