Festival Of Trees a hit in Stirling
Article content
It takes an army of volunteers to put a Christmas smile on many faces at Farmtown Park in Stirling.
The annual Festival of Trees was held from Thursday night until Sunday afternoon, an event that raises thousands of dollars and attracts more than 2,000 people, some as far away as New Brunswick, for the four-day event.
Campbell Aalbers, 2, of Stirling, enjoys some cookies.
Campbell Aalbers, 2, of Stirling, is eyeing some treats. DAVE VACHON/THE INTELLIGENCER
Those in attendance bought tickets to bid on goods throughout the building. They left their names and phone numbers on the tickets. They had to wait until Sunday to see if their name was drawn. DAVE VACHON/THE INTELLIGENCER
William McBride, 3, of Stirling checks out a tree with his mom Terri McBride. DAVE VACHON/THE INTELLIGENCER
Everleight Brohm, 2, of Belleville takes a look at a deer. DAVE VACHON/THE INTELLIGENCER
Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.
You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.
The festival is not only a major fundraiser (all proceeds support ongoing work at the museum) but it’s also one of the most well attended events of the year in Stirling.
Margaret Grotek, Manager of Farmtown Park, is enthusiastic about the event and reiterated “this wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers.”
The event, which began in 2008, only recently became an annual event because the people of Stirling – and more – wanted it as a tradition, said Grotek.
Volunteer Mary Hunt, who has been with the event since its inception, described it as “amazing.”
The event has more than 120 volunteers who have been working since June to get ready for this event … 60 of those volunteers work on a holiday favourite – cookies.
Grotek said the team was working on its theme, entrance, Rudolph and planter urns early in the process.
Over the past few weeks, volunteers have worked long hours to transform Heritage Village at Farmtown Park into a Christmas Wonderland.
The theme this year was “The Magic of Christmas.” That magic was evident through the farm house as many distinctive holiday creations were on display and available to be won by raffle. Tickets were purchased for a chance to take home one of the many beautifully decorated trees or distinctive Yuletide wreaths.
Each one-of-a-kind, decorated Christmas tree or special ornament was specially wired to hold its shape.
The Festivalof Trees would not be possible without sponsors and hardworking volunteers who donate literally hundreds of hours to trim the trees and create all the beautiful decorations that make this event such an amazing experience and one to be enjoyed by the entire family.
This event has a volunteer who drives from his home in Alliston every year for the Festival of Trees. John Scott says he has been coming to the event since its inception. A steadfast supporter of the museum, Scott himself creates dioramas and refurbishes doll houses.
There was a large selection of decorations, assorted greenery, berries and gifts at the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, located right in Heritage Village.
The Festival of Trees runs from Thursday, Nov. 15 through Sunday, Nov. 18. Admission is just $5 and children under 12 are free. The festival kicks off Thursday evening and runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It continues Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and it all wraps up Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Draws will be made at closing time Sunday. And just a reminder that there’s lots of free parking at Farmtown Park, 437 West Front St. in Stirling. For more information we invite you to visit our website: www.farmtownpark.ca
The Magic of Christmas marks the end to another fun-filled season at Farmtown Park. Please watch this space for news of our upcoming events planned for 2019.
— With files from The Community Press
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.