Festival of Trees Returns to Bridgeville

The annual Festival of Trees is returning to Bridgeville this weekend with numerous decorated trees, raffles, food and Santa Claus performing magic.

The weekend fundraiser at the Bridgeville Fire Department's Chartiers Room supports the library and will have more than 30 personalized trees designed by area businesses and residents.

Betty Copeland, who is the chairperson for the ninth annual event, said each tree carries the personality of the business or person who entered it into the competition. She pointed to a Punxsutawney Phil Christmas tree by the "Outer Circle Groundhog Club" as an example of one of the trees that will be displayed this weekend.

“It’s amazing the themes they come up with,” Copeland said.

Other contestants include Country Meadows, Pittsburgh Eye Care and even some Chartiers Valley students.

“We’re just grateful for the support we get from the community because the library is such a vital part,” Copeland said. “We’re glad this is our biggest fundraiser for them.”

There will also be a “Memorial Christmas Tree” dedicated to loved ones who have died. Copeland said people can make donations to have a library member create an ornament with their relative’s name on it before it’s placed on the tree.

Fundraisers plan to hold a Chinese auction with one of the top prizes being a Troy Polamalu football. Meanwhile, Santa Claus will perform a half-hour magic show Saturday.

The cost to attend is $2 per person, and kids under the age of 6 are free. The Festival of Trees will be open Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fire department is located at 370 Commercial St.

Go to Bridgeville Public Library’s website for more information.

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