Green scene: This year's Festival of Trees to promote environment at Trolley Station & Museum

The Times-Tribune, 2012-11-29

By Caitlin Heaney, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.

Nov. 29--This year's Festival of Trees decorators must tackle an unusual challenge -- how to make greenery even greener.

The annual festival and fundraiser in which groups decorate trees for a display at the Electric City Trolley Station & Museum, 300 Cliff St., will promote recycling and environmental awareness through the theme "Green Christmas."

"Last year was inspired," said Maureen McGuigan, deputy director of Lackawanna County's arts and culture office. "The theme was art, and there were some really neat trees made out of recycled objects. For all the county does for recycling, and of course now it's big national issues, we just thought that would be a great theme to get people thinking about the environment and recycling and reusing things."

Be creative

Groups have until Monday, Dec. 10, to sign up to decorate a tree, which they must supply. But considering this year's green theme, Ms. McGuigan suggested some groups might want to make their own artificial trees out of reused and recycled objects.

"We hope people will be really creative and not afraid to do some crazy, funky things," she said.

The fee to participate -- $50 for nonprofit organizations and small businesses with up to 50 employees, or $100 for corporations with more than 50 employees -- will benefit Toys for Tots. Last year, the county gave $1,000 to the effort, Ms. McGuigan said.

The exhibit kicks off with a reception on Friday, Dec. 14, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the museum and will remain on display through Monday, Dec. 31. In addition to announcement of the award winners, the reception will include food by Olyphant's Wall Street Deli and music by the Jenkins and Woodyatt duo, who will perform holiday songs. Tickets are $20, and Marines also will be on hand to collect toy donations for Toys for Tots.

Fee-free day

Additionally, the county plans to hold a "community day" on Saturday, Dec. 29, during which admission to the museum will be free. Ms. McGuigan said the county understands that this time of year might be difficult for families financially, and it does not want to deny anyone a chance to see the exhibit.

"If you've ever been there, it's magical," Miss McGuigan said. "I think people like the holiday time because it kind of takes us out of our daily routine. And to see 30 to 40 holiday trees all decorated is inspiring whatever age you are. It just has a really magic feel."

Contact the writer: cheaney@timesshamrock.com, @cheaneyTT on TwitterIf you go

What: Festival of Trees

When: On display Friday, Dec. 14, to Monday, Dec. 31

Where: Electric City Trolley Station & Museum, 300 Cliff St.

Details: The exhibit is included with admission to the museum. For more information or to register, call 963-6590 or email arts-culture@lackawannacounty.org.

Reception: Friday, Dec. 14, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available in advance or at the door.

Community Day: Admission to the museum and exhibit will be free on Saturday, Dec. 29.

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