The Festival of Trees

Chairmen: Mary Ann Gray and Rita Broman
Volunteer Coordinator: Judy Doe

Saturday, Nov. 20 - Decorated Trees are due at the Atwood House
Sunday, Nov. 21 - Decorated Wreaths are due at the Atwood House

Alice Duthie puts the finishing touches on her Window Box Tree at the 2007 Festival

The Festival of Trees is in its eleventh year as the major fundraiser and creative exposition of the members of the Chatham Garden Club. Started by member Jan Lewyn in 1997, the festival showcases small trees created by garden club members that are quintessential examples of what Christmas in Chatham looks and feels like. The proceeds of the festival are used for the Atwood House Museum and to fund the Chatham Garden Club's town beautification and scholarship programs.

Something magical happens when you enter the Atwood House Museum for an afternoon visit during the festival. The trees appeal to a broad audience, including children and older people. There is Christmas in the air, the taste of cookies and cider, and the visit is sure to put you into the Christmas spirit.

Members of the club who volunteer to create a tree are issued a two foot tall tree and a string of lights. After that, the sky is the limit and the creativity is legend. Some members begin collecting ornaments and decorations immediately after Christmas for the next year. Members have never run out of ideas, nor duplicated themes, ever! Some trees are breathtakingly beautiful. Others are whimsical. Others are for the appreciation of young children. In previous years, some trees were appropriate as decoration for special ocassions, such as a wedding, or an anniversary. Themes from the past have been Ocean Delights, Twelve Days of Christmas, Della Robia, Upstairs-Downstairs, What's Under the Christmas Tree, the Peacock Alley, Gone Fishin' and Sea-ing is Believing.

For the festival, three afternoons are set aside for browsing, viewing, and shopping. Decorated wreaths and miniature trees will be available for purchase. Visitors to the museum can stop and have some cookies and cider as they view the trees and shop for Christmas decorations. The museum galleries and gift shop are also open for viewing.

The Gala Auction and Party is on a Saturday evening. Complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres make the evening a delightful time for the public, members, family and friends. The right bid in the Silent Auction could result in a person taking home the most beautiful small tree that will keep Christmas spirit in their heart for a long time.

Della Robia	Angelicus	Traffic Jam	Tea by the Sea	It's a Boy!