ML photos by Barbie Kiberstis
The Methuen Festival of Trees is always a jaw-dropping experience of unleashed creativity! MethuenLife photojournalist Barbie Kiberstis met up with some of the tree sponsors as their visions came to life.
The 31st annual festival is now open and runs through Dec. 7 at 13 Branch St. There are 200-plus trees and wreaths to put you in the holiday spirit, plus visits from Santa, an online auction and a $5,000 raffle. Before you visit, purchase your tickets at methuenfestivaloftrees.com. Have questions? Call (978) 685-8878.
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- “Empowering Women” is the theme of Haverhill’s YWCA tree. Supporting survivors of domestic abuse is their main goal and message with this tree. First-time participants are Amy DeSimone and Nicole Sammartino.
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- Kevin and James Witkum (rear) and Smadin Pagan and Felix Perez (front) pause before decorating their tree. Now in their second season joining the cause, brothers Kevin and James own and operate Methuen’s Witkum Hardwood Flooring.
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- Methuen U-Haul, now in their third year at the festival, present Santa’s Workshop, courtesy of staff Cheryll Capodilupo and Sarah Perez. “This whole experience is so heartwarming,” says Cheryll.
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- Just getting started on the tree from The Woods at Merrimack are Community Development Director Anita Haqqi and Business Officer Manager Brenda Belair.
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- Local author Stacy Lee, here with her mom Karen Debruyckere, presents her beach-themed tree “Sun, Sand and Stories.” Stacy, a successful author of a series of what she proudly calls “beach reads.” is already working on her second series!
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- The Minions Take Over! Staff members Dimitri Campusamo and Valeria Colon from Methuen’s St. Anne’s Home have fun taking over decorating duties this year.
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- Massachusetts Probation Service, in their second year donating a tree, presents their Gameboard Tree. Filled with Scrabble tiles and other board game pieces, this tree is a play on words, asking if you’re “board” with your job … because they are recruiting! Staff members Camila Silva, Samantha Shea, Leslie Diaz, Kevin Riley and Matt Deveau gather to get the job done. Visit mass.gov for job opportunities!
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- Lowell Tooth Docs presents their “Pearly White” tree for the festival. Dental hygienists Karen Corga and Keri Botto, along with Dr. Marisa Ramox and dental assistant Amanda Therriault, add to the brilliant and sparkling white-themed tree.
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- Office staff from Methuen’s Perrault Chiropractic Diana Harrington, Veronica Cyr and Michelle St. Cyr proudly dedicate this year’s tree in memory of founder Sandra Perrault, who passed away in March 2024 at the age of 85.
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- In their 15th year joining in on Festival fun are Tammy and Mark Dobrosielski and Karen Rutherford with their “Santa Parade” tree. Vehicles representing a plethora of local businesses circle the tree, mimicking Methuen’s Santa Parade! Always a creative team, Mark admits, “As soon as the festival wraps, we brainstorm over drinks at the Irish Cottage for the next year’s theme!”
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- Eleven-year-old Grace Benjamin decorates the top of her Squishmallow tree. Grace’s family, who own Chan and Chen Orthodontics in Andover, are a part of the festival for the first time this year.
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- “Magical Muse” is the theme of the season for the George’s Bakery’s tree. The Maroun family has been a part of the festival for over 20 years. Jennifer Maroun climbs a ladder to put finishing touches on their family’s masterpiece.
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- Holding down the fort inside the Festival of Trees Gift Shop is Steve Goecke, now in his second year volunteering his time.
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- Festival of Trees crew member Cindy Mazella adjusts some decor on the “Let Heaven and Nature Sing” tree, presented by Methuen’s First Church Congregational. “We have 15 new trees this year,” says Cindy, “including some winners from last year who repurposed the tree they won and joined in this year. It’s been a great turnout!”
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- Happy 8th Anniversary to sisters Laura Iwaskiewicz and Sherie Prior! Working off the list of anniversary gift themes, the modern gift of pottery for the 8th anniversary is the perfect opportunity to create this amazing teapot and cup and saucer themed tree. Laura explains, “Our Dad inspired us to love Christmas and the festival helps us get a jump-start on the season!”
