These trees are elegantly trimmed ... with gift cards galore, even some booze

Harrison Thorp 11:38 a.m.


These trees are elegantly trimmed ... with gift cards galore, even some booze

Stacy Marchionni of Revolution Taproom and Grill decorate her tree Friday in preparation of its first showing later in the day. (Rochester Voice photos)

ROCHESTER - Rochester's Festival of Trees continues tonight at Studley's Flower Gardens on Wakefield Street with nearly 40 gorgeously decorated - most adorned with valuable extras - Christmas trees up for grabs.

The wildly popular event is sponsored by Rochester Main Street with proceeds going directly to benefit the downtown Rochester district.

This year's offerings include nine "premium" trees that are gilded with gift cards and baubles that value more than $500. Most of the nonpremium trees include extras, too.

Tonight's festivities include live music and refreshments plus a visit from Santa from 5-7 p.m. Adults are welcome to enjoy adult beverages as they stroll amid the beautifully decorated holiday trees.

Kris Ebbeson of RiverStones Custom Framing puts the finishing touches on her homemade ladder tree in advance of the Festival of Trees at Studley's Flower Gardens on Friday.

There are also four handmade trees, including a Christmas Ladder Tree, decorated by Kris Ebbeson of RiverStones Custom Framing.

Admission to the Festival is just $5 each day and includes five raffle tickets for the drawings. Children enter free. Additional raffle tickets are also available for purchase to increase chances of winning.

All drawings will be pulled tonight at 7 p.m. Winners need not be present to win. If not present, winners will receive a phone call and must respond and collect their winnings after the event concludes tonight or on Sunday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Unclaimed trees and gifts by 1 p.m. on Sunday will be forfeited.

Guests can vote for their favorite trees in categories of "Best Dressed" and "Most Creative."