SPRINGFIELD — There are many signs the Christmas season has arrived — from frost on the windows and snow on the ground, to the Springfield Boys and Girls Club annual Festival of Trees.
This year more than 130 firs and spruces are sprouting in the MassMutual Center — everything from table tops to 9-foot-tall artificial trees.
Organizers expect more than 21,000 people from across New England to walk through the forest of trees lit, decorated and donated to the fundraiser by businesses, families and civic groups.
The event is expected to raise $340,000 to help fund the club’s $2.4 million annual budget for social, recreational, artistic and educational programs benefitting more than four thousand children each year.
“This is our 24th year and the festival is a staple in the community. It kicks off Christmas time in western New England,” said Vinny Borello, executive director of the club. “The rest of the year is very busy for everyone, but Christmas is a time when you can slow down, enjoy your family and friends and do something special with them.”
From the time people take their first steps down the Christmasy path, they’ll see trees not only impeccably decorated with skirts, ornaments, lights, ribbons and toppers — each is packed with prizes like tickets or certificates for sporting and entertainment events, dinners, travel, overnight stays and hundreds of other offerings.
People can purchase raffle tickets and place them inside containers at each tree. When the festival is over, winners will be drawn and notified they’ve won a tree, which they can take home with all of the decorations, including the prizes. Some are worth thousands of dollars.
Many visitors have turned the festival into a treasure hunt, searching through branches and needles, trying to spot and take home early Christmas gifts.
“People have been coming here for so long, they have a system. They walk through and have their own little chart. They identify the ones they like, narrow it down and drop off their tickets,” said Borello.
There are all sorts of photo ops, places where families have taken their annual holiday pictures. One of the most popular stops this year is expected to be a sleigh that is more than 100 years old. Children will be able to sit inside with Santa and have their pictures taken with the jolly old elf. From church choirs and high school bands, there will also be live music playing in the background and on stage in an area that seats 200 people.
“You’re going to walk into a forest that is really a Christmas wonderland. It’s amazing to see. It will instantly put you in a holiday mood. It’s great to watch the kids because their eyes get as big as saucers,” said Borello, who said children can write to Santa and every letter will be answered. There will also be a scavenger hunt with prizes for children.
“People will leave not just feeling this was a nice fundraiser. It’s more of an experience. I urge you, come find me. I’ll show you around. Your jaw will hit the ground,” said Borello. “Christmas isn’t always a happy time for some people. Hopefully the festival gets people in the mood and spirit and they get to enjoy the experience.”
The Boys and Girls Club, one of the oldest in America, raises money through a $5 per person admission charge, sponsorships and raffle ticket sales. There will also be a 50-50 raffle. Last year’s winner took home more than $20,000.
The festival is the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year, making it possible to serve children 6-18 years old from Greater Springfield.
“We take kids off the streets. We bring them into the Boys and Girls Club where we have positive programs year round. Our top priority is education. We have a 100% high school graduation rate. No one has to go to summer school. Not one girl has gotten pregnant. Not one boy has become a dad. No one has been arrested or incarcerated. If you come to the club, we will change your life, and no child is turned away,” said Borello.
The Festival of Trees begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs Thursdays through Sundays until Dec. 15. Admission is $5; $4 for seniors; free for children along with active military, veterans, first responders and their families. There will also be no charge for parking at MGM, and free shuttle service to the event from the casino Fri.-Sun.
The festival is open 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Santa will be there Friday to Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. For more information visit TreeRaffle.com.
