URGENT UPDATE: Swampscott is set to host its very first Festival of Trees from December 1 to December 6, promising a magical experience for families and holiday enthusiasts. The event will take place at the former Clarke Elementary School, running from 4 PM to 8 PM daily, and 12 PM to 6 PM on the final day.
Recreation Director Charlotte Daher de Garcia expressed her excitement about bringing this festive tradition to the community, saying, “It’s something that, growing up, I’ve attended in various towns and cities. Having the space at Clarke Elementary School was a perfect excuse to bring it to town.”
The festival will feature beautifully decorated trees, and community members are invited to view them free of charge. Attendees can also engage in fun craft activities, making this a delightful way to get into the holiday spirit. The event will be staffed by “holiday helpers,” volunteers from the Town’s Senior Tax Work-Off program, ready to welcome guests.
While entry is free, attendees can purchase raffle tickets for just $5—25 tickets—to potentially win a Christmas tree. “People can simply come to view the trees, though if they do buy tickets, they can leave them with the trees that they like,” Daher de Garcia explained.
The raffle will occur the week following December 6, with all proceeds going towards funding future programs and events at the Clarke building. Daher de Garcia noted, “Our hope is that as the festival becomes a holiday tradition, we’ll be able to invite local nonprofits and community groups to apply to be beneficiaries in the years ahead.”
Community support is critical; those who wish to contribute can donate trees or wreaths, with setup scheduled for November 30. Interested individuals can visit https://swampscottma.myrec.com/info/default.aspx for more information.
Daher de Garcia hopes the festival will bring joy to attendees, stating, “I hope it helps get them in the holiday spirit. It’s just one more thing that the Town can offer people.” This inaugural event is not just about viewing trees; it’s a chance to celebrate creativity and community spirit, encouraging everyone to take part in what promises to be a cherished local tradition.
Don’t miss out on this festive opportunity! Mark your calendars for the Festival of Trees and join in the holiday cheer from December 1 to December 6.
