Multi-Service Festival of Trees Debuts Today, Lighting Up the Community

A holiday themed open house, Boyertown Multi-Service's "Festival of Trees" is now in its 16th year and it continues to thrive and grow.  

This year's Festival opens today, Friday, Dec.2, from 5:00 – 9:00 pm and continues Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10:00- 2:00 pm at the Senior Center in the Multi-Service building at 200 Spring St. in Boyertown. The festival continues online, with a virtual event running through December 10.

Christmas trees are purchased by individual, groups, and businesses in the community. The trees are decorated to express creative themes and then they are donated to Multi-Service. Those who attend can purchase raffle tickets for chances to win one of the decorated trees. Multi-Service benefits from the funds raised by raffling off the trees and the proceeds are used to help fund programs in the community and provide aid to those in need.

 The public is invited to attend the event and enjoy the beauty and warmth of the season created by the beautifully decorated trees. Holiday music contributes to the mood.  

 In addition to the tree raffle, other items and activities will be available. According to the Multi-Service Facebook page, Kline's Kernals will be selling kettle corn both days and wreaths made by members of Boy Scout Troop 533 will be for sale Friday night for $20. Also, "a selfie-Elife station" will be available both days.  

There will be a scavenger hunt both nights, a harpist on Friday night, Santa Claus on Saturday, along with crafts for kids. Homemade cookies from the area's new bakery, Aunt Nannie's Bake Shop, will also be available.  

The Multi-Service Facebook post concludes, "There is no better way of getting in the holiday spirit than attending this spectacular event. This fundraiser helps us continue to serve the community and make a difference in the lives of others.” 

Betty Hartling points out a tree decorated in honor of Preston Dray. The 8-year old boy, his mother, and his unborn sibling drowned in a flash flood. Back in 2018 Preston had decided to collect and donate food to Multi-Service. Preston's Pantry was created to honor his memory and generosity. Photo by Joan Johnston.

Melanie Wolf (in the forefront) wraps up her tree. Wolf is a development manager at Multi-Service. Photo by Joan Johnston.

Chelze Yellets and Rachael Fisher put the final touches on their fishing themed tree named "Hooked on Christmas." The tree they are decorating was donated by Gerhart, Hartman, and Rittner Insurance. Photo by Joan Johnston.

Decorated by Marilee Cassidy, Linda Manwiller, and MaryAnn Blocher, this tree is named “Cuddly Christmas.” It honors “Baby Hovey’s First Christmas.” Matt Hovey is the Multi-Service board president. Photo by MaryAnn Blocher.

Above and below, some of the other decorated trees that people can try to win in the raffle. Photo by Joan Johnston.

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