Festival of Trees lights up old village hall in Tigerton

22 decorated Christmas trees on display
By: 
Leah Lehman
Correspondent

TIGERTON — The trees are trimmed in Tigerton, and now it’s up to the public to determine which creations will top the nice list.

The community’s Festival of Trees, sponsored by Tigerton Main Street, started Friday with carols, a visit from favorite “Grinch” characters and 22 Christmas trees decorated by various businesses, nonprofits and school groups. Voting on the trees, which will be up until Christmas, runs through Dec. 18.

“It’s fun to watch people come in and decorate a tree,” said Andrea Graham, Tigerton Main Street manager. “There are so many different ideas, and the same ones come year after year.”

The trees are available for viewing at Tigerton’s 1905 Village Hall, 215 Cedar St., weekday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon, as well as Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. The voting this year will fall under four categories — Best School Tree, Best Theme (business or nonprofit), Most Creative and overall Best of Show, Graham said. Gifts will be awarded to the top vote-getters in each category.

Carolers from Tigerton High School kicked off Friday’s festivities. After the trees and the Christmas village were lit, children and families went upstairs to meet Mr. Grinch and Cindy Lou Who of Dr. Seuss fame. In addition to posing for photos, the kids were able to participate in other activities, color Grinch bookmarks and enjoy some snacks.

Those who missed the festivities can still check out and vote on the decorated trees. The local chapter of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) contributed a tree featuring super fruits and vegetables — complete with capes, eyes and “S” crests. A “Blue Christmas” tree pays homage to the late Elvis Presley, while a plumed peacock tree with a chicken wire skirt was decorated by Anita Kernen, owner of Anita Haircut.

Nineteen additional trees and more Christmas decorations are available for viewing. For information, call the Tigerton Main Street office at 715-535-2110.