Wilmington's Festival Of Trees Features Raffle, Bake Sale, Santa

WILMINGTON, MA — We're One Wilmington (WOW) has announced details of its 12th Festival of Trees, which will take place next month.

The event is scheduled for Dec. 2-4 in the Lower Hall of St. Dorothy Church, 11 Harnden Street. The festival will last from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 3 and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 4. Admission is free.

The festival features trees, wreaths, baskets and other donations that are dec0rated by individuals, schools nonprofits, businesses and friend groups. Organizers said the event often receives between 100 and 120 donations.

The "donations" are displayed in the festival hall for the public to view, and prizes are awarded in categories like: Best Use of Theme, Best Mini-Tabletop Tree, Best Wreath, and Best in Show.

Even more exciting, the "donations" then are given away in a raffle.

"Wilmington is a super generous community, and we have trees that come with thousands of dollars in prizes. For example, Sole Sisters Running Club's donation comes with a $1000 Amazon gift card each year," said Becky McGrath, of We're One Wilmington. "Many of our donations have gift cards, cash, and scratch tickets. I think that is what sets apart our Festival of Trees from others — we've got great prizes."

In addition to the raffle, the Festival of Trees will feature a bake sale, musical acts and regular visits from Mrs. Claus. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 3, Santa is scheduled to visit the festival, and he will take photos with visitors, according to organizers.

The festival also will feature the annual Angel Giving Tree, where visitors can take an ornament tagged with a wish list item for a family or person in financial need.

The festival serves as the main fundraiser for WOW, which is a charitable organization that, according to McGrath, is "founded on the mission of strengthening our community one good deed at a time."

Money raised during the festival is used to support WOW's many goodwill initiatives like:

• Holiday gifts for families in need
• Care packages for community members experiencing financial, emotional, or medical hardship
• Utility bill assistance for the elderly or those with financial struggles
• High school scholarships
• Financial assistance for children who can't afford costs associated with clubs/sports/camp and other activities
• Back-to-school supplies for students in financial need, as well as extra classroom supplies for teachers
• Community enrichment activities
• Financial support to other nonprofits through sponsorships

The organization also has a JR. WOW group, which is a charitable group run by high school students.

Donations of trees and other items for the festival must be registered by Nov. 25. Registration is available online or by emailing McGrath at mcgrathbecky@gmail.com.

The event is staffed by volunteers, and those interested in working at the festival can register online.