SACO — The magic of Christmas is once again gracing the Saco Museum.
The museum is hosting the ninth annual Festival of Trees, and this year’s theme is “The Holly and the Ivy.” A free tree-lighting and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the museum on Friday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m.
The museum’s back gallery is filled with nearly 40 decorated trees and 20 decorated wreaths.
The “Purple Passion” tree, sponsored by Key Bank, includes lavender ribbon, classic ball- and teardrop-shaped ornaments that shine and sparkle in the light, and white faux grape clusters. Other trees, with various themes, abound, such as “Seuss Christmas” sponsored by the Bank of Maine and decorated by Amy DeRoberts, which is decorated in a Dr. Seuss theme. The “Clean Water for Every Child” tree, sponsored by Deering Lumber and decorated by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Saco and Biddeford, which has a more serious message.
“It’s magical,” said visitor Ethel Theriault as she took in the trees and other decorations Monday.
Theriault, a resident of Atria Senior Living in Kennebunk, and other area seniors visited the museum on Special Guests Day.
“The work is stunning,” said festival volunteer Linda Giroux.
This is her first year volunteering, but Giroux said she has gone to the festival for years, and likes to get ideas for decorating her own Christmas tree at home.
Also on view are a gingerbread village and a handmade antique Santa collection.
The trees debuted at a gala preview party on Nov. 23. Some of the trees ”“ along with all the decorated wreaths, as well as gift baskets and merchandise from local retailers ”“ will be raffled off. Those that are not will be on display through Dec. 29. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20 and can be purchased at the museum through Dec. 18. Winners will be notified on Dec. 18.
Other activities during the festival include a children’s crafts day; traditional music provided by St. Augustine’s Church of Old Orchard Beach on Dec. 7; Mrs. Claus’ gingerbread tea on Dec. 14; and a visit from Santa Claus on Dec. 15. Reservations are required for the tea.
For more information, call 283-3861 or go to www.dyerlibrarysacomuseum.org.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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