Altrusa Club of Meredith Celebrates 16th Annual Festival of Trees!

In celebration of the holiday season, the Altrusa Club of Meredith will be hosting their 16^th Annual Lakes Region Festival of Trees this weekend.  This spectacular festival will be held at the Waukewan Golf Club in Center Harbor, NH, and will highlight beautifully decorated Christmas trees, fine products made by local artisans especially for The Noel Shoppe, traditional cookies and cider, and a special children’s event, all while benefitting local charities and community projects!

The Festival kicks off on Thursday evening, December 1^st, with the Silent Auction and Gala from 5:30 – 8:00pm.  The night will be filled with music, hors d’oeuvres, delicious desserts, and a cash wine and beer bar.  Lakes Region favorite Pat Kelly will take on the role of Master of Ceremonies for the auction, where guests can bid on the many wonderful items donated by area businesses.  One of the auction items is the Common Man Christmas Tree, which is decorated with “C-Man” gift cards worth $250!  Also on hand will be Karel Hayes, a local author and illustrator who will be signing her books at The Noel Shoppe.  The silent auction and gala sold out last year, so the night is expected to be a terrific success! As of today, there are approximately 25 tickets left for last-minute guests.  Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door, and may be purchased at the Greater Meredith Chamber of Commerce, Cackleberries Garden and Gift Shop on Rte. 3 in Meredith, and Fashion Forward on Rte. 25 in Moultonborough.

The Festival of Trees continues throughout the weekend—on Friday the 2^nd from 2pm – 8pm, Saturday the 3^rd from 9am – 5pm, and Sunday the 4^th from 11am – 5pm. While enjoying apple cider and fresh cookies, visitors can stroll amongst over 50 magnificent holiday trees, which have been contributed and decorated by area businesses, nonprofit organizations, individuals, and families.  One of the trees on display is Altrusa’s Literacy Tree, under which are dozens of books that will be given to local children.  The Noel Shoppe will be stocked with a variety of handmade traditional and whimsical items and gifts created by local artisans and craftspeople.  This is a wonderful opportunity to support artists and the community at the same time!  Tickets will be available all weekend for the ‘Tis the Season Raffle, where folks can take their chances on several fabulous baskets and one of five stunning “enchanted” trees.

Bring the little ones on Friday, December 2^nd for a special children’s story time event.  George “Rusty” Locke, local storyteller and entertainer, will awaken the spirit of Christmas in an animated and spellbinding telling of The Gingerbread Man, “A Tasty Tale.” Children ages 3 – 8 are invited to bring their favorite adults to visit the enchanted Woodland Cabin for story time, and will each go home with a special holiday treat.  Pre-registration for either the 5:30pm or 7:00pm reading is suggested, as space is limited.  For more information, please call Mary Anne at 279-5529.  Admission is $2.00 for children and $3.00 for adults.

Admission to the Festival of Trees is $3.00, and free for children 5 and under.  The Altrusa Club of Meredith works under the umbrella of Altrusa International, Inc., an “international association of business executives and professionals who volunteer their energies and expertise in projects dedicated to community betterment.”  All proceeds benefit the Moultonboro Santa Fund, the Interlakes Christmas Fund, and other Altrusa initiatives.  Following the Festival, Altrusa also distributes all donated trees through area Christmas funds and other outreach organizations.

“Many folks in the area look forward to the Festival of Trees,” says Betsy Raffaelle, President of the Meredith Altrusa Club.  ”It’s the real beginning of the holiday season.”  The Altrusa Club is grateful for the support from the Lakes Region community.  Adds Betsy, “This event couldn’t happen with out the community.”  Last year was the most successful so far.  Let’s make this year even better for those in need––please come to Center Harbor this weekend to support this dedicated organization!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team