At once beautifully splendorous and warmly sentimental, the Christmas tree is a shining symbol of blissful holiday cheer. At the Festival of Trees, many sterling examples of festive trees and wreath designs will be displayed to the public from November 15–November 27 (closed Thanksgiving) in the Brooksville Welcome Center, 205 E Fort Dade Ave., Brooksville.
Trees and wreaths donated and decorated by local businesses will be on display at the festival; then, following the exhibit, these brightly adorned trees and wreaths will be auctioned off to raise funds to support future downtown Brooksville art projects.
The Festival of Trees exhibit will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Come by to get in the holiday spirit with Brooksville Main Street and participating businesses!” read an event notice.
Barry Meindl, the design committee co-chair of Brooksville Main Street, says that this year’s Festival of Trees will prove a shining representation of the grand display that has become a Yuletide tradition here in Hernando County.
“Yes, we’re so excited that the Festival of Trees will be back again this year!” he said. “Folks can expect a gorgeous collection of trees and wreaths beautifully decorated by local businesses and organizations in our annual celebration of the holidays and beloved community. It will be open for viewing November 15–27, except for Thanksgiving Day. Based on some of the early submissions, it looks like it’s going to be the best exhibit yet.”
As guests admire these lovely, richly ornamental symbols of festive celebration, they’ll be able to select that unique tree or wreath that would look perfect in their own home, playing an integral role in their holiday design scheme.
“All trees and wreaths will be put up for auction, with all proceeds going to Brooksville Main Street to help keep up our mission of revitalizing Brooksville through preservation-based economic development,” said Meindl.
Allisa Babor, the design committee co-chair of Brooksville Main Street, feels that the Festival of Trees is a fun fund-raiser that significantly benefits its host community.
“We encourage businesses and nonprofits to participate, as it is a great way to get into the holiday spirit with promotional exposure and social media highlights, all with the goal of promoting local businesses and supporting Brooksville Main Street during the holiday season,” she said. “Participants are encouraged to leave business cards and promotional material with their tree or wreath for viewers to pick up during their visit.”
Meindl welcomes all to enjoy the Festival of Trees. “We welcome everyone to come out to the Brooksville Welcome Center to experience the unofficial start to the holiday season in BVL, find their favorite tree or wreath, and bid on it for the chance to bring home a wonderful, and often very reasonably priced, piece of decor for the holidays.”
