Springfield Garden Club rings in 25th annual Festival of Trees with silver bells

The industrial angles and lines of Springfield’s Great Hall art venue softened into an enchanted holiday forest as members of the Springfield Garden Club transformed the space for their annual Festival of Trees held on Nov. 17.

www.vermontjournal.com

Springfield Garden Club rings in 25th annual Festival of Trees with silver bells BY KAREN ENGDAHL, The Shopper November 19, 2017 festival Carol Eramo and Sandy MacGillivray decorate garlands. Photo by Karen Engdahl SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – The industrial angles and lines of Springfield’s Great Hall art venue softened into an enchanted holiday forest as members of the Springfield Garden Club transformed the space for their annual Festival of Trees held on Nov. 17. “We have more than 25 trees to decorate today,” said Jean Swanson, Garden Club member, “and local businesses and organizations will be setting up six or seven more trees later this week. The theme this year is Silver Bells because it’s the 25th anniversary of this event and we wanted a silver theme.” Central to the theme is a small white chapel adorned with silver bells, built by Swanson’s husband, Allan Swanson. Leading to the chapel is a wide lane bordered by groups of Christmas trees decked in silver and red ornaments and tiny white lights. Busy Garden Club members worked in groups of two or three to decorate the trees, deck windows with wreaths, and wrap the “presents” placed under the trees. “This is my 21st year decorating for the festival,” said Marjorie Collins as she worked to untangle a string of lights. “It’s always a great event!” festival Allan Swanson, Carolyn Lane, Bonnie Andrews and Jean Swanson beside chapel. Photo by Karen Engdahl. In addition to their work at the event site, Garden Club members gathered behind the scenes during the week of the festival to create fresh floral arrangements and centerpieces, which were sold as part of their fundraiser. Members also crafted fresh wreaths. “There are both Thanksgiving centerpieces and also Christmas arrangements, boxwood trees, and things in all price ranges,” said Swanson. “Smaller arrangements that are a perfect hostess gift, or a gift for someone in the hospital…candlesticks, and more.” The Festival of Trees is the Garden Club’s major fundraiser each November in anticipation of Christmas. The night also includes hors d’oeuvres, wine, cider, music, a raffle, and a silent auction. All proceeds went directly back to support town beautification efforts, scholarships, and other community programs. Entertainment was provided by Gerry Grimo’s band, the renowned East Bay Jazz Ensemble.