Be A Tree Donor
You can enter a tree in the Festival. Many trees are entered to honor loved ones who have died. All trees help to raise funds to battle cancer. Last year there were over 100 beautifully decorated, artificial Christmas trees. Each had its own unique and often untraditional theme. Trees must be at least 3 feet tall through 7 feet or higher. Trees of a less traditional nature are encouraged. If you, your family, your workplace, or your group would like to participate, then please contact Maureen Ciesla at 508-764-3824 no later than Nov. 13 for an application.
Buy a "Memorial Tree" Ornament
This year, the Festival will continue with a "Memorial Tree" which will be decorated with special ornaments dedicated in memory of loved ones. The tree and its ornaments will be on display from this Festival forward, and new ornaments can be added each year. For ornament information, contact Sandra Nasto at 508-347-3225.
Donate to the Auctions
You can support the fight against cancer by donating goods or services to the auctions. They are the highlight of the Festival. To make a contribution, contact Cathy LaBonte at 508-380-5473.
Purchase an Ad For The Festival Program Booklet
The ad can be for a business, or a dedication to a loved one, or a message of support. There are three sizes for the boxes: $25 for a quarter page, $50 for a half a page, and $100 for a full page. In addition there will be an "In Memory of" page where, for $10, a donor may list the name of a friend or family member to be rememebered. For details, contact Ginne Hmielowski at 508-764-6157 no later than Nov. 13.
Purchase Ticket To Win $1,000 In Scratch Tickets
Win $1,000 in scratch tickets! The winner will be drawn at the Festival on Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 each. For raffle ticket information, contact Elaine Cooper at 508-347-4449
Attend The Festival
Mark your calendars for the Festival. It runs from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4 at the beautifully refurbished La Salle Reception Center at Notre Dame Hall in Southbridge. The hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3 per person. Children under 12 are always free. Buy raffle tickets to win one of the beautiful trees. There will be live entertainment daily and delicious concessions provided during the Festival.
Senior Citizen Day
Friday is Senior Citizen Day with free admission for seniors. There will be a special $4.95 lunch for seniors, which will include soup, sandwich, and cookies.
Children's Day
Saturday is Children's Day. Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be there along with the Pumpernickel Puppets, face painting, magic acts, the balloon man, Santa's Toy Shoppe and much more.
Final Day
Sunday is the final day, and the sale of tree raffle tickets and scratch ticket raffle tickets will end at 3:00 p.m. Winners will be announced shortly thereafter. If you are a winner, you can pick up your tree and enjoy it for the holiday season.
For any questions regarding the Festival, contact Sue Hapgood, the Festival's founder and chair, at 508-347-2904.
Attend The Festival's Special Events
Choral Premier featuring a"Festival Living Nativity" at Notre Dame Church. This spectacular event takes place Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $5 and includes free admission for tree viewing. Be one of the first to view the spectacular trees amid the festive holiday atmosphere at La Salle Reception Center.
Holiday (Giving) Gala
Celebrate the season on Dec. 2 with live music and hors d'oeuvres. Silent and live auctions featuring spectacular gift items and special tree auctions. The Gala will be held at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center. Tickets are $40 per person and only sold in advance. Tickets can be purchased at Targeted Marketing, 58 Main Street, Sturbridge. For ticket information contact Lorraine Moreno at 508-347-3591
Ticket sales end when all tickets are sold. Hurry, they go fast!
Even if you don't attend the Gala, you can support the fight against cancer by donating goods or services to the auctions. If you have something to contribute, contact Cathy LaBonte at 508-380-5473.