Enfield
“We have a few that are regulars, but we get new people every year,” said Dolores Struckhoff, executive director at the museum. “People come and see the trees and always ask, ‘How can I get involved?’ ”
This year’s Festival of Trees boasts more than 40 trees that range from somber to comical. The trees are decorated by organizations, individuals and families from Enfield and beyond.
“We have some really nice handcrafted angels made out of sheep wool,” Struckhoff said. There are other trees with miniature liquor bottles and another with scratch-off tickets. Yet another, made by the granddaughter of a Shaker Museum employee, is adorned with cat toys. “That one was cute,” she said.
One of Struckhoff’s favorites is based on Emily Dickinson’s poem Hope Is the Thing With Feathers. “That one’s really nice,” she said.
The festival serves as a fundraiser for the museum. People purchase raffle tickets (one for $1, six for $5, 15 for $10) and put them into a paper bag in front of each tree they want to win. But people don’t need to purchase tickets in order to view the exhibit. The event ends on Dec. 17 with a free gala, from 5-7 p.m., that includes refreshments and the selection of winners.
This is the fourth year that the Shaker Museum has used tabletop trees — previously, participants decorated full-size Christmas trees.
“They have much more character,” Struckoff said of the tabletop trees. Not to mention, “It’s much easier to decorate a small tree.”
Last year, the fundraiser brought in $2,000. This year’s goal is $2,500. Also of note: There is a large giving tree at the museum, and guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations for Helping Hands at Mascoma Valley Regional High School. Cookies are available for purchase during the festival.
Editor’s note: The Festival of Trees can be viewed during the Enfield Shaker Museum’s open hours. For more information, visit www.shakermuseum.org or call 603-632-4346. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
