The Festival of Trees returns to the Dyer Library/Saco Museum. Courtesy photo

As I write this, the sun is shining and the temperature outdoors has soared to nearly 70 degrees, distinctly un-November-like. Given that, it’s hard to believe that it’s almost time for the big reveal of this year’s Festival of Trees. The 2022 theme (appropriately) is “Celebrating the Holidays,” surely a fine idea after a couple of COVID-constrained previous winter seasons!

Thanks to our generous sponsors, volunteers and local businesses, the Festival of Trees has become one of the premier holiday events in Southern Maine. The kick-offs to the festive series of events are the preview parties, a Holiday Tea from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 and the Gala, the same day from to 6:30-8:30 p.m. Not only will these events feature yummy snacks but being at the museum will give you access to special silent auction items including two folding Adirondack chairs from Shed Happens, a Keeper Charters seal colony tour, a week-long stay in a Fortune’s Rocks Beach cottage and all kinds of other neat stuff. You can contact Carolyn Roy for an invitation at croy@sacomuseum.org.

That, of course, is just the beginning. Come vote for your favorite tree and try your luck at our
various raffle prizes. There will also be silent auctions for items featured on our Artist Tree. You
could win a tree, gift certificates, dinners, local crafts, local services and more. Raffle tickets are just $5 for 3 tickets. All raffle and sale proceeds benefit the community programming efforts of the Dyer Library/Saco Museum.

The Festival of Trees is free to the public and opens the day after Thanksgiving. Don’t miss
Children’s Craft Day, Saturday, Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m. to noon; Tea with Mrs. Claus, Saturday, Dec, 10, noon and 1:30 p.m. (two seating times). Call (207)283-3861 ext.102 for reservations — space is limited. Bring your children for a Visit with Santa Claus, Sunday, Dec. 11, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and don’t miss the Final Raffle Day winners will be drawn on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m.

Please note that starting Nov. 25t we have extended museum hours and added Sundays during The Festival of Trees: Monday – Closed; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – noon to 5 p.m.; Friday – noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday – noon to 5 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Finally, just a quick promo for the Giant Annual Book Sale that will open in late July of 2023. When our intrepid book-sorting volunteer, Patti, retired last spring, I mentioned in this column that we desperately needed one (or more!) people to carry on her hard work. A few contacted me and I suggested coming back in the fall, once the 2022 book sale was cleaned up. That time has come. Help!!! There are so many books up in the attic that need to be sorted. … My email is lrounds@dyer.lib.me.us or you could call me at 207-283-3861, ext. 101 if you think this might be the perfect volunteer job for you. (It helps to be a serious book lover.)

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