Staff reports 2:50 p.m.
Saturday, November 30, 2019 2:55 pm
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ROCHESTER - The public is invited to attend Rochester Main Street's fourth annual Festival of Trees at Studley's Flower Gardens next Friday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Saturday between 3-7 p.m. This fund-raiser gives guests the opportunity to win fully decorated holiday trees and prizes. Studley's is located at at 82 Wakefield St. in Rochester.
This festive event offers the public an opportunity to win dozens of fully decorated trees and wreaths, donated by area businesses and organizations. The trees often include valuable gifts in addition to beautiful decorations. This year also features Premium Trees with total values over $500, explained Angela Mills, Executive Director of Rochester Main Street. "Premium Trees and voting on trees were fun additions last year which we're excited to be doing again this year."
In addition to enjoying the trees, children and guests can enjoy baked goods, hot chocolate, a Children's Activity Table, music, and a visit from Santa on Saturday 5-7 p.m. Saturday also features the availability of adult beverages for guests over 21 years of age.
"Festival of Trees is one segment of a festive and collaborative downtown weekend," noted Mills. The Friday event follows the Chamber of Commerce's annual tree lighting in Central Square. The Saturday event supports downtown restaurants and lounges by offering Festival raffle tickets to the Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl participants. "We welcome the Ugly Sweater wearers to visit us and enjoy some tasty treats while admiring the trees." The holiday-themed weekend finished with the Chamber's annual holiday parade.
Admission to the Festival of Trees is just $5 each day and includes 5 raffle tickets for the drawings. Children enter free. Additional raffle tickets are also available for purchase to increase chances of winning.
All drawings are pulled Saturday at 7 p.m. Winners will be contacted via phone. Winners can collect the winnings Saturday after the drawing or on Sunday, December 8th during the hours 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Unclaimed trees and gifts by 1 p.m. Sunday will be forfeited.
Guests can vote for their favorite trees in categories of "Best Dressed" and "Most Creative." Winners from 2018's event include: Studley's Flower Gardens for "Best Decorated" with Moe's Italian Sandwiches as runner-up; Happy Pappy's Country Store for "​Most Creative" with JetPack Comics as runner-up; Revolution Taproom & Grill as "The People's Choice" of Premium Trees with Rotary Club as runner-up; and The Governor's Inn as "The People's Choice" of Holiday Trees with Cumberland Farms as runner-up.
This event is made possible by the generous support of premier sponsor Xfinity and location sponsor Studley's Flower Gardens.
Volunteer support is welcome at this event. Contact the Rochester Main Street office to be involved.
If your business or organization would like to decorate a tree this year, contact the Rochester Main Street office at 603-330-3208 or director@rochestermainstreet.org.
Proceeds from Festival of Trees benefit the downtown Rochester district through Rochester Main Street. Rochester Main Street is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to the economic and visual enhancement of downtown Rochester.