The ever-changing Methuen Festival of Trees “forest” continues to WOW visitors of all ages, even in its 32nd year!
MethuenLife visited Branch Street as creative sponsors and donors set up their twinkling, sparkly, traditional and touching arbors. The event runs through Dec. 6.
Legendary local Realtor Rick Coco has been involved for a whopping 27 years! This year’s tree theme is “On a Cold Winter’s Day” and his piece is accentuated by traditional ball and snowflake ornaments in a silver-blue hue. He was working on a “yard with snow” at the base of his tree.
Coco says he’s always got a vision in his mind of how all of the pieces of this Christmas puzzle will meld, but admits, “I never really know what they’ll look like together,” but he always has fun taking part.
Many trees are dedicated to the memory of a departed family member.
Danielle Wojcik, who died in 2018 at age 38, “loved Christmas, decorating the tree and anything to do with kids,” according to her mom, Linda Easterday. One way that Linda keeps her daughter’s memory alive is by participating in the Festival of Trees. This year, the tree’s theme is “Believe in the Magic of Christmas” and Linda knows Danielle would have loved it.
Methuen Festival of Trees Board member Cindy Mazella was on-hand during set-up days and is amazed that – year after year – there’s always something new and exciting at the festival. For example, this year the National Aviation Academy of Concord make its debut with a tree accented with ornaments handmade from airplane sheet metal.
“You’ve got to see it for yourself,” she said. “Every year, there’s something different!”
National Aviation Academy’s Director of Admissions Rudy Badie hangs ornaments made from sheet metal of old planes! Students crafted airplanes, gingerbread men and ball ornaments from the metal. This is the Concord school’s Festival of Trees debut. The school’s director, who lives in Florida, heard about the Methuen festival and insisted the school get involved.
If you love the movie “Elf,” this is the tree for you!
Emma, 5, and Ernest Martinez, 7, patiently wait while mom – who represents McDonald’s restaurants in Methuen, Haverhill and Dracut – puts up a very purple Grimmace tree!
Amanda Aziz pieces together the Methuen High SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) tree, giving a nod to Red Ribbon Week and using the theme “Life is a Puzzle: Solve It Drug-Free.”
The Middlemiss family has two trees in this year’s festival – one dedicated to Uncle Jeff Middlemiss and another remembering little cousin Joe Middlemiss. Climbing on board with festival excitement are (from left) Lily Davis, 4; Sebastian Middlemiss (wearing crown), 6; Cooper Middlemiss, 6; and Gabriella Middlemiss, 4.
Festive friends Jessica Harrington (left) and Rhiannon Tuscano, both 12, select ornaments for Perrault Chiropractic’s lovely tree!
Linda Easterday (right) keeps her daughter Danielle’s memory alive is by participating in the Festival of Trees. Here, Linda and friend Lisa Boiko decorate their “Believe in the Magic of Christmas” tree.
Rick Coco’s “On a Cold Winter’s Day” will be one of the first stunning stops for 2025 Methuen Festival of Trees visitors. His creation is Row 1, Spot 1.
