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Howland Hughes To Host Festival Of Trees: 'Walk Down Memory Lane' Begins Friday

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Howland Hughes To Host Festival Of Trees:

‘Walk Down Memory Lane’ Begins Friday

WATERBURY — The 2008 Festival of the Trees will take place in downtown Waterbury on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 12–14, and will feature three days of holiday fun, shopping, and special events for kids and adults of all ages.

This year’s theme, “A Walk Down Memory Lane,” is intended to take people back to their favorite memories of the season, and to a place that may be part of those special times for many adults: Howland Hughes.

“Santa Claus has always been a big part of downtown department stores and everybody in the Waterbury area met Santa Claus at Howland Hughes,” says Hank Paine, president of Howland Hughes Company. That special tradition will be revived when Santa Claus makes visits during the Festival of the Trees. He will be in the house on Friday from 10 am until noon, and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 pm.

The festival itself will be open from 10 am to 6 pm each day. Admission is $3 adults, $2 children and seniors.

The landmark Bank Street department store building that also houses The Connecticut Store is now called The Howland Hughes Center and is hosting the festival on the main floor of the old department store. For the past year the center, managed by the Northwest Connecticut Convention & Visitors Bureau, has been the host of many community events and activities.

Formerly held at The Mattatuck Museum, the 17th annual festival of trees will again feature decorated trees of all sizes, along with wreaths, ornaments, and other holiday items donated by organizations and individuals.

Select trees and decorations will be available for purchase throughout the festival, but will remain on display until Sunday. Sales proceeds and special collections will benefit local charities, including Toys For Tots, Waterbury Food Pantry, Family Services, and Junior League of Greater Waterbury Service Projects. Donated items for any of these collections will be gratefully accepted all weekend.

Other cash and carry shopping will be available at the festival from Connecticut-based vendors and crafters. Holiday shopping will also be available for children, with gifts priced at $2 and under.

In addition to The Giving Tree, where unwrapped toys and canned goods will be collected for local families and organizations, there will be activities and entertainment each day. Among the activities will be live music and dance performances, story telling by Literacy Volunteers, an ornament making workshop (10 am to noon Saturday), a live Nativity scene and elves from Kaynor Tech (Saturday, ongoing) and a Living Nativity by Naugatuck Congregational Church (Sunday, 1 pm) and also by students of St Mary’s School (Sunday, 2 pm).

A full list of activities and times for each day can be found on flyers available at The Connecticut Store, local libraries, and other locations throughout the area. For more information call 203-597-9527.

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