LEWISTON — More than 20,000 people are expected to partake in this year’s FEZtival of Trees at the Kora Shrine Center, a stunning display of 60 decorated trees up for grabs, each with a different theme.
The 11th annual fundraiser shows no signs of slowing down. Every year since its inception, the festival has drawn bigger and bigger crowds. The money raised helps keep the Kora building on Sabattus Street up and running.
This year’s theme is “Misfit Toys,” taking inspiration from the 2001 computer-animated Christmas movie, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys.”
With values of up to nearly $5,000, some of the trees’ candy canes were already stuffed with raffle tickets after just two days.
So far, the most popular tree this year is the Lego Tree, which was a favorite last year as well. With $4,000 worth of Lego sets and merchandise, a PlayStation 4, and a unique “Abominable Snowman” tree-topper made out of Legos, it draws a lot of attention.
Suzanne Keane of Lewiston and her 9-year-old daughter, Alexis, were very excited about the Lego tree.
“This is the one we always go for,” she said. “But so does everyone else.”
The tree and its gifts, which will all be taken home by the raffle winner, was donated by Bittersweet Landing Boatyard. They were last year’s community sponsor first-place winners.
Another popular tree was “Throwback Christmas” from Bedard Pharmacy, which included old-school board games and a red Radio Flyer bicycle. BJ’s had a winter car necessities tree, with antifreeze, air fresheners, ice scrapers, and a new set of tires (installation included).
Other themes include American Girl doll, Frozen and Hot Wheels, and camping and tools.
With each tree sporting a different theme and accompanying set of gifts, there really is something for everyone.
And don’t forget your picture with Santa on the way out!
Ann Boudreau, one of the volunteers, put together all of the stage and set decorations.
“It took me 50 weeks,” she said, laughing. “I worked on it on-and-off all year. My living room was pretty much Christmas all year.”
The FEZtival of Trees runs through Sunday, Nov. 26, and winners will be drawn at the end of the day. Admission is $2 and raffle tickets cost $5 for 10, or $10 for 20.
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