This year’s ELF (Era’s Less Fortunate) Fund’s Festival of Trees
– set for Thursday – will “rock,” as this year’s theme is “Rockin’
Around the Christmas Tree.”
This fourth annual festival will focus on Christmas-themed
rocking chairs and rocking horses more than Christmas trees for
raising money for the needy this Christmas season.
Traditionally, residents, organizations and businesses have
participated in the Festival of Trees by purchasing a tree, wreath
or swag, decorating it, and then donating it back to be
auctioned.
“It’s different this year only do to the fact that it’s ‘Rockin’
Around the Christmas Tree,'” Vonda Reese of Northwest Savings Bank
on East Main Street in Bradford and one of those in charge of this
year’s Festival of Trees, said.
She said it was a little different theme than years past because
“the concentration is on the chairs more so than trees.”
Reese said they have about a dozen or so chairs to auction,
including assorted child-sized and adult-sized rocking chairs as
well as rocking horses.
“We have uniquely themed chairs,” Reese said. “And hopefully
some very desirable pieces.”
Reese talked about one chair in particular, donated and
decorated by Tim and Nancy Crissman. Reese said Tim Crissman built
the chair in woodshop about 20 years ago. Nancy Crissman painted it
as “Starry Night, Winter’s Delight.”
This child-sized rocker is titled “The Life of Riley.” Riley is
the Crissmans’ daughter. Reese said the chair was probably Riley’s
at one point.
“She wants to think about those less fortune,” Reese said about
Riley. “That’s ultimately what this is about.”
Reese also said there’s a rumor that the Costello family, of
Irish decent, are planning an “appropriately themed rocker.”
“Last year’s event averaged 100 or better,” Reese said about
attendance. “We are extremely hopeful to have the same wonderful
turnout as last year.”
In addition to the rocking chairs and rocking horses, decorated
wreaths and a few Christmas trees will be up for bid as well as
gift baskets and holiday greenery, according to Reese. Other
donated Christmas items from local merchants and some Thanksgiving
items will also be up for bid.
The Festival of Trees auction is sponsored by Northwest Savings
Bank. There will be a public, a silent and Chinese auction Thursday
night. All proceeds from the Festival of Trees will go to the ELF
Fund. The public is invited to attend.
Besides Reese, the Festival of Trees committee includes Bunny
Comilla, Diane DeWalt, Chris Minich, Ginny Digel Neel and Craig
Hallock.
“Our whole group is excited about this year,” Reese said. “We
hope to reach our goal this year. We always hope that our ideas are
well-received by the public.”
Reese said when the community comes together to help those less
fortunate, the humanity is just wonderful.
“The people of Bradford are just excellent,” she said. “We
really wish to thank anyone and everyone who has participated in
any way, shape or form or have given their talents, items or
services. We really couldn’t do it without the support.”
