New Christmas Memories in Downtown Waterbury
12/07/2007

Festival of The Trees

The Festival of the Trees with The Twelve Days of Christmas opened in downtown Waterbury on Sunday, December 2, and will feature two weeks of holiday fun, shopping and special events for kids and adults of all ages. This year’s theme, “Once Upon a Memory,” is intended to take people back to their favorite memories of the season – and a place that may be a part of those special times for many adults – Howland Hughes.

“Santa Claus has always been a big part of downtown department stores and everybody in the Waterbury area met Santa Claus at Howland Hughes,” said Hank Payne, President of Howland Hughes Company.

That special tradition will be revived as Santa Claus makes regular visits during the Festival of the Trees.

The landmark Bank Street department store building that also houses The Connecticut Store is now called the Howland Hughes Center and will host the festival through Saturday, December 15. General admission is $2. Admission is FREE for Children Under 3.

Formerly held at the Mattatuck Museum, this 16th annual event features decorated trees of all sizes, wreaths, ornaments and other holiday items donated by organizations and individuals. Trees and decorations will be available for sale throughout the festival, but will remain on display until December 15m when purchasers may pick up their selections. Proceeds benefit local charities including Toys for Tots, Rotary Scholarships, Family Services, Salvation Army and Junior League of Greater Waterbury Community Service Projects. Other cash and carry shopping will be available throughout the festival from Connecticut based vendors and crafters.
In addition to the Giving Tree, where unwrapped toys will be collected for local families and organizations, there will be different activities and entertainment each day of the festival.

December 7th 1:00 - 5:00 - Candy Demonstration. December 8th - 10:00 - 5:00 - Christmas Photos With Santa, Unity Dance Ensemble (2:30). December 9th - 12 :00 - 5:00 Milk & Cookies with Santa (3pm - 5pm), Connecticut Dance Theatre (noon), Alba Group of Post University (2 pm). December 10th 1:00 -5:00 - Guitar Band Sting Quartet (WAMS) (1pm). December 11th - 1:00 - 5:00 - Bingo for Seniors (2pm), Afternoon Tea, Senior Dance Company (WAMS - 1pm). December 12th 12:00 - 5:00 - Bow making (1:30 & 2:30) Voice Class (WAMS). December 13th 12:00 - 5:00 - Cookie, Candy Shop. December 14th 12:00 -7:00 - Poinsettias for Sale.

The Festival of the Trees is sponsored by the Junior League of Greater Waterbury; Northwest Connecticut Convention and Visitors Bureau; Main Street Waterbury; Taft School; and Rotary Clubs of Waterbury, Naugatuck, Woodbury, Southbury and Middlebury.

For more information call 203-597-9527.

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