12th Annual Festival of Trees

The festivities will begin the day after Thanksgiving when visitors will have the opportunity to place silent auction bids on exquisitely decorated trees created by talented Chatham Garden Club members. All of the trees promise to be unique in design and attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase festive wreaths and smaller trees, or simply enjoy the beautifully adorned historic Atwood House Museum and Gift Shop.

The four-day Festival will begin with four afternoon dates – Nov. 27, 28, Dec. 4 and 5 – when the Atwood House will be open from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Visitors will have the chance to preview the array of designer tabletop trees, buy handcrafted holiday boutique items or simply browse the Museum and its Gift Shop. Complimentary cider and cookies will be served.

The conclusion of the Festival of Trees will take place on Saturday evening, December 5, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at a Gala Party and Silent Auction Finale where complimentary wine and delicious hors d’oeuvres will be served. Once again, William Litchfield, Chatham town moderator, will emcee the auction’s 7 p.m. closing and announce the winning tree bids.

A single-afternoon ticket costs $5 (children under 12, with an adult – free). A Festival Party ticket costs $15 which also includes entrance on all viewing days as well as admission to the silent auction.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or by contacting Margaret Martin, Chatham Historical Society, 508-945-2493. For more information, call Bette Hahner, chairwoman, 508-945-9962. All proceeds will benefit local scholarships, town beautification projects, and historic preservation and education outreach programs offered by the Chatham Historical Society.