METHUEN — A Santa's Express airplane tree and another made completely from pet food cans covered in dog treats are among the many favorites Festival of Trees President Ann Guastaferro picked from this year's 211 entries.
"It's fabulous," she said of the airplane tree created by the Small family for the 16th annual Festival of Trees. "It's an old-fashioned two-winged plane —like the Wright brothers', with the tree going right through the propeller and Santa sitting inside with his goggles on."
While this is Guastaferro's first year as president, she has long been involved with the festival, which has become a staple of holiday fun and fund-raising for more than 25,000 visitors from the Merrimack Valley, Southern New Hampshire and beyond.
The event kicks off Friday night with a sold-out premier, a Taste of the Festival, featuring food from 25 restaurants and masters of ceremony Matt Siegel of Kiss 108's "Matty in the Morning" and Billy Costa of NECN's "TV Diner."
"It's a great opportunity for people to learn about different restaurants available all around the area," said publicist Kim Lord Curtis, noting that tickets went very quickly.
Beginning last Friday night, organizations, businesses, individuals and families began arriving at Valley Office Park, 13 Branch St., armed with the makings of their creations. Even with well more than 200 trees, Guastaferro said no two are alike.
She has enjoyed watching the festival grow, she said.
"The very first year there were 17 trees and it was located in the library. But once we moved into the atrium space at 13 Branch St. six years ago, it really took off," Guastaferro said, thanking Eric and Harold Brooks for allowing them to use the building that has ample parking and is centrally located.
Each tree is hand-decorated and in the end goes home with the winner whose raffle ticket is picked at random. Visitors can purchase tickets and place them in containers by each tree to be entered in the drawings which will be done Dec. 5.
Funds raised from all events associated with The Festival of Trees go toward historic preservation — originally for restoration of the Tenney Gatehouse in Methuen, and now for a wide variety of projects. To date, the festival has funded $914,000 in restoration projects.
"We are excited about passing the million dollar mark," Guastaferro said.
Also new this year is a festival Web site, Guastaferro said, www.methuenfestivaloftrees.com.
"For the very first time, our auction will be online," she said of another popular aspect of the festival, when donated goods are put up for auction. "We have great items. It's just amazing.
Other trees Guastaferro said she watched go up were a Camelot one, featuring King Arthur and his court surrounded by a castle, and another built around the Taste of the Festival theme, decorated with brightly lit spoons, forks and knives.
Lord Curtis said she continues to be wowed by the ingenuity of all the people involved.
"It is the most creative event," she said. "It is amazing that people come back year after year and get more inventive every year."
If You Go
What: Methuen Festival of Trees.
When: Premier (sold out) Friday, Nov. 20. Officially opens Saturday, Nov. 21, and runs through Dec. 5 (closed Thanksgiving). Hours are weekdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Valley Office Park at 13 Branch St., Methuen.
How: General admission $8. Children under 12 free. Visit the Web site at www.methuenfestivaloftrees.com, or call 978-685-8878 for information.
2009 Highlights
For details visit www.methuenfestivaloftrees.com or call 978-685-8878.
In addition to the sold-out Taste of The Festival this Friday night, some of the 2009 festival highlights will include:
Magic shows with B.J. Hickman,
Romper Rhythm Puppets,
Mad Science Show,
Elfant Production Balloon Twister,
Breakfast with Santa,
Visits from Santa,
Red Hatter's Weekend,
Auction,
Tree Awards,
Tree Raffle,
Preservation Grant Award.
