Tis the Season: Annual Festival of Trees returns to Studley's on Dec. 2

Studley's co-owner Molly Meulenbroek stands among Christmas trees featured in a recent Festival of Trees event. (Rochester Voice file photo)

ROCHESTER - Rochester's annual Festival of Trees event will return to Studley's Flower Gardens on Dec. 2 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Dec. 3 from 2-6 p.m.

Attendees will be able to enjoy music, refreshments, and a visit from Santa while strolling through dozens of wonderfully decorated trees, generously donated by area businesses and organizations. They are fully decorated and often stuffed with gift certificates and other fun prizes.

According to Main Street Board member Jeff Bisson, the event is the nonprofit's most successful fund-raiser of the year. In 2021, the organization raised more than $7,000 for its initiatives, which include downtown beautification projects.

Over the course of the past year, Main Street utilized those funds to install a "Welcome to Downtown" sign in Central Square, add several bistro tables to the Cocheco Riverwalk, install four public art murals depicting Rochester's history on the side of the Fire Station, plant new flowers and bulbs in the park around the Parson Main monument, and the popular Bigfoot scavenger hunt.

"We look forward to welcoming the public to our 6th annual Festival of Trees," said Bisson. "Special thanks to all the tree sponsors, volunteers, and Studley's for generously hosting the event again."

Admission is just $5 and includes 5 raffle tickets. Children under 12 enter at no cost. Studley's Flower Gardens is located at 82 Wakefield St., Rochester.

Rochester Main Street is an all-volunteer 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to downtown revitalization. Visit www.rochestermainstreet.org for more information.