By HEATHER PYLES, CJ Staff Writer
How are you decorating your Christmas tree this year?
If you’re not sure, perhaps you could gain a bit of inspiration from the more than 40 trees expected to be shown during the Third Annual Festival of Trees, sponsored by the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce.
The popular event, known for its whimsically-decorated Christmas trees, which are up for bidding at the end of the festival, has been moved to the Center for Rural Development this year.
“It was kind of a challenge to do it the biggest and best we can,” said Jack Keeney, chamber president.
The Center is definitely much more spacious than the festival’s location the prior two years — the Bastin’s Steakhouse building, which was recently torn down. A Culver’s restaurant now stands in its place.
Because of the extra room, the festival is slated to feature some additional displays alongside the ever-popular trees.
“We’ve just got a lot of things going on,” Keeney said.
Keeney said a large playhouse — think 21 feet by 9 feet — will be available for auction. The playhouse, donated by builder Rollin Wiggington, fetches a $5,000 price tag, Keeney said.
Along with that, numerous community choirs are expected to sing everyone’s favorite Christmas songs during the four-day festival.
And you can’t forget the gingerbread houses. A gingerbread village was first displayed during last year’s festival, but this year the attraction will feature numerous versions of the holiday staple. 100 gingerbread house kits will be transformed into the sugary, colorful structures.
Alongside those houses will be some 500 milk carton gingerbread houses made by local school children. The cartons were donated by Southern Belle. Around 20 3-ft.-tall gingerbread men and women donated by Cumberland Mill Works for local students to decorate will also be featured.
Add to that the between five and eight large custom-made gingerbread houses donated by local bakers, and visitors will be treated to a panacea of gingerbread.
Keeney said the festival will also feature more than 12 decorated wreaths, along with six fireplace scenes donated by Cumberland Mill Works and decorated by local businesses, and table toppers will also be on display.
A feast for the eyes can be expected for every visitor, but the festival’s namesake won’t disappoint either. Keeney said this year, trees were donated to each school for decoration — and he said nearly every theme imaginable is expressed.
This year, Lowe’s has decorated what’s been dubbed the “man tree” — complete with saws, bolts, screws and anything else that may be included in the masculine repertoire. On the flip side, local jewelry stores have decorated a “woman tree” for display.
Keeney said local attorneys have decided to include a tree, titled “Just the Bear Facts,” with each participant’s picture placed with a bear ornament.
The trees, playhouse and other attractions will be up for bidding by silent auction on the last day of the festival.
While the adults take in the season’s trimmings, Keeney said a children’s play area will be available, which includes a mailbox specifically for letters to Santa.
And the Jolly Old Elf himself is expected to make appearances throughout the festival, but Keeney said his busy schedule makes it difficult to know just when he’ll be in town.
The Third Annual Festival of Trees is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 27 through Monday, Nov. 30 at The Center for Rural Development. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for kids ages six through 17, and children under five years old get in free. A $10 family pass is also available.
Seniors 55 and older are eligible to enter the festival on Monday, Nov. 30 for only $1 for the “Senior Stroll.”
Visitors are also encouraged to bring a food item with them for God’s Food Pantry.
“We’re looking forward to a fun time,” Keeney said.
Other holiday events are taking place soon as well.
On Saturday, Nov. 28, the City of Science Hill will have its Second Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
“We had a big crowd last year, or so we thought we did for the first year,” said Science Hill Mayor Bill Dick.
Church groups from the area will be on hand for performances throughout the day, and the Science Hill garden Club will provide refreshments. Dick said the Science Hill Fire Department will also have chili for visitors, adding that donations to the department will be appreciated.
Dick said Santa Claus will also be on-hand for the kids.
The lighting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Nov. 28.
On Saturday, Dec. 5, the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade will be held in downtown Somerset. This year’s theme is “A Dog-gone Purr-fect Christmas,” and Keeney said anyone interested in participating can contact the chamber at 679-7323.
