Festival of Trees free to public

RUMFORD -- The Rumford Performing Arts Committee will have their third annual "Festival of Trees" show at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 10th in the Rumford Falls Auditorium.

This year, the $5 admission will be waived in the hopes everyone will come to share in this great community spirit event.

However, Jim Rinaldo is hoping 25 people come forward with $20 donations to offset the cost of this event. Donations can be made out to the Rumford Performing Arts Committee, to Jim Rinaldo, and left at the town hall or made out the evening of the event.

People can also take out free applications at the town hall to decorate your own tree and display it at this event. To date, half a dozen people have already done so. Only artificial trees are allowed for safety reasons. Rinaldo said their goal is to have two dozen trees. The audience will then judge the top three trees.

To date, six local musicians have come forth to lead the community in Christmas carols. Someone to add musical accompaniment is needed.

Panda Bear, Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus will meet here to greet the children.

The first 30 minutes of the two-hour event will be people singing Christmas carols. During the next hour, Mrs. Claus and two of her elves will pass out free cookies and hot chocolate to the audience as they judge the trees. Further, if someone wants to donate their tree, that will be drawn off.

During the last 30 minutes, there will be more Christmas carols sang, including a grand finale.