The annual Festival of Trees in Waterville has officially launched the holiday season, attracting crowds eager to view dozens of beautifully decorated trees and participate in a raffle featuring prizes valued at thousands of dollars. This popular event, hosted at the Waterville Elks Lodge, drew significant attendance on its second day, with parking nearly full on Saturday morning. Organizers estimate that around 5,000 people will visit the festival over its two-weekend run.
The festival, presented by the Central Maine Community Betterment Collaborative, showcases more than 50 trees donated and decorated by local businesses. These trees are not only festive highlights but also serve as the centerpiece for a raffle that includes an array of valuable items, including snowblowers, Lego sets, lounge chairs, and children’s toys. The bundles of gifts associated with each tree are valued at several thousand dollars.
According to Kimberly N. Lindlof, president and CEO of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the Central Maine Growth Council, proceeds from the festival support crucial initiatives, including workforce development programs and food insecurity efforts at the Alfond Youth & Community Center. Lindlof stated that this event represents the chamber’s largest annual fundraiser, although the total amount raised varies based on ticket sales.
“We aim to drive more people to this region,” Lindlof mentioned. “Our goal is to make them want to move here, vacation here, or bring their families back.”
The festival is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 26, and will reopen on November 28 and 29, with hours extending to 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and concluding on November 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Admission is priced at $2 per person, while entry is free for children under 12 years old. Raffle tickets are available for 50 cents each, alongside a 50-50 raffle. All transactions are cash only.
The festival, which has evolved since its inception by the Sukeforth family, has been hosted at various locations over the years. This year marks the third consecutive event at the Elks Lodge located at 76 Industrial St.. The event relies entirely on volunteer support, with 300 shifts available for individuals to sign up across the two weekends. Lindlof emphasized the extensive coordination involved in making the festival a success.
In addition to the Christmas trees, the festival has partnered with Marden’s and Sappi to provide 2,500 books, ensuring that every child attending leaves with a free book. Families enjoyed the festive atmosphere, with appearances from Santa Claus scheduled for Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday.
Among the attendees, Morgan Willey from Waldoboro, along with her mother Nancy Parmenter of Washington and Parmenter’s friend Shelley Couturier of Fairfield, took a break after exploring the trees. Couturier, who has attended the festival annually for about a decade, humorously noted, “We come here every year, and we never win,” as she shared her excitement about this year’s raffle selections, particularly a Grinch-themed tree and one filled with toys.
As the Festival of Trees continues to grow in popularity, it remains a cherished holiday tradition for the Waterville community, uniting families and friends while supporting vital local initiatives.
