Approximately 50 people attended last Friday’s Opening Night of the 12th Annual Festival of Trees at the Marleah E. Graves (MEG) Building.According to MEG Foundation board member Janice Jarosz, there are approximately 60 trees to raffle off, with eight new themes this year, with the majority of them being children-oriented. Retired Fire Captain William O’Malley plans to donate three trees to needy families.
Originally a school in the 1800s taught by Marleah E. Graves, whose spirit is rumored to tour the grounds, the building now hosts parties, weddings, baby showers, coalitions and a recovery group and has tenants living upstairs.MEG Foundation board member Linda Ross said the proceeds from the two-week event will go toward upkeep of the building.
Many guests came in between the town’s Tree Lighting ceremony on the common last Friday night.
Belmonte STEAM Academy fifth-grader Arianna Moscato, her mother, Barbara, and her brother, Angelo, all of Saugus, wished to take home a “Merry Christmas” tree for its “snow,” ribbon and other decorations.
Lisa and Martin Walfield were hoping to take home the “Mickey & Minnie Christmas Tree,” which was donated by the Saugus Lions Club, because they are Disney fans. The tree featured all things Disney, including classic Minnie and Mickey Mouse ears, stuffed animals and accessories.
Stephen Chapman was hoping to win the “Wican Yuletide” tree.“I like the tarot cards, the top hat and the wooden star,” Chapman said.
Santa is expected to arrive from the North Pole on Saturday night along with a petting zoo. Hours are 3 to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Santa will be present from 4:30 to 6 p.m., along with a petting zoo on the front lawn from 5 to 7 p.m. Brought back after a COVID-19 pandemic hiatus, a wine and cookie bar will also serve as a fundraiser for the Foundation, with proceeds going toward the cause. Winners can pick up trees on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pictured from left to right: Belmonte STEAM Academy fifth-grader Arianna Moscato, her mother, Barbara, and her brother, Angelo, all of Saugus. They liked the “snow,” ribbon and other decorations on this “Merry Christmas” tree, which they hope to win.On Saturday, Jennifer McMasters (at left) and Leanne Wirling said this tree could be up all year-long, adding that it’s unique.MEG Foundation Board Member Anthony Speziale poured a glass of cabernet during Friday’s opening night of the Festival of Trees at the MEG Foundation building. Donations go toward the MEG Foundation.On Friday, Stephen Chapman was hoping to win the “Wican Yuletide” tree, because he liked the tarot cards, top hat and wooden star.Guests enjoyed the sparkly nature of this tree, which had jewelry pieces instead of traditional ornaments.Pictured from left to right: MEG Foundation Board Members Janice Jarosz and Laurie Davis. Davis, who is also the Senior Center’s Director, said they put some certificates for Senior Center line dancing, weightlifting and chair yoga classes as ornaments.Saugus residents Jeanine Ruszkowski and Michele Cannizzaro are pictured by the “Paparazzi” tree. (Paparazzi is a national accessories vendor.) They liked the sparkling aspect of the tree.Mrs. Claus (at left) and the Sparkle the Elf by the “Bill McAdoo” tree, which was named in memory of a former board member who passed away.Sharon Hobby was hoping to win the “Mango Realty Inc.” tree on Saturday, because she likes Cookie Monster.Lisa and Martin Walfield were eyeing the “Mickey and Minnie Christmas Tree,” which was donated by the Saugus Lions Club, because they are Disney fans.The ornaments each had a different name for Jesus.The display of trees on Saturday night at the Festival of Trees.Pictured from left to right: Saugus residents Christine Saia, their son Nicholas III, their daughter Violet, and her husband, Nicholas, donated the “North Shore Christian School” tree (for a nondenominational school). They liked how the ornaments represent different names for Jesus through biblical verses. The winner will receive the tree as well as a $50 Fandango movie pass.
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