MEG Foundation Christmas Tree Festival ends this weekend

Trees will be on exhibit two more days – today and tomorrow

By Laura Eisener

The Annual Festival of Trees at the MEG has been a big hit this year, as usual. There is a wide range of full-size and tabletop trees on exhibit, and raffle tickets are available for trees and for other items: an American flag wall coat hook, snowman figurines, themed Christmas stockings already filled, and more. The entire first floor of the old school – two large classrooms and the dramatic hallway – were filled with festive decorations to be raffled off this year.

Last weekend’s special additional feature was McDonny’s Traveling Farm from East Derry, N.H. (www.mcdonnysfarm.com), which brought many animals, including chickens, rabbits and other small animals to pet and even a goat on a leash. They are available to come to parties and other events. These animals were a big hit with all ages and were on the front lawn next to the manger scene.

Inside, there is a wonderland of colorful themed trees decorated by local organizations, businesses and individuals. Tree decorations ranged from trolls, gnomes, the Grinch, woodland animals, presidents, Saugus revolutionary war soldiers, and many other themes from reality to fantasy. In addition to winter holiday trees, there were a few Thanksgiving and Halloween ones mixed in. Light refreshments were available, and the interesting wall panels and windows made the seasonal ornaments stand out. Even the restroom is beautifully decorated – although there are no raffle trees in there, glittering deer and other features are illuminated by the dramatic windows.

Trees will be on exhibit two more days: today (Friday, November 15) from 3-8 p.m. and tomorrow (Saturday, November 16) from 3-8 p.m. The drawing takes place Sunday and raffle winners will be notified by telephone. On Friday from 4-6 the Saugus Middle and High School Choral Group directed by Evan Smith will perform. Santa will be in the building Saturday along with a photographer.