Newton Independent
The Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau is putting a new twist on an old tradition this year with its Holiday Treepalooza.
With the Newton Arboretum unavailable for Project Awake's traditional Festival of Trees, the Newton CVB decided to continue the tradition, but with a couple of new twists and the new name.
The new Holiday Treepalooza will allow participants to display a decorated tree at a property on the south side of the downtown square donated for use by owners Ken, Jody and Troy Smith.
Trees will be judged this year by visitors placing a monetary "vote" in the participants' decorated paint can - donated by Diamond Vogel Paints of Newton - with the winner receiving an overnight stay for two at LaCorsette Maison Inn in Newton. The money raised will go toward the Newton CVB's recently announced grant program for tourism and visitor promotion.
There is no charge for a decorated tree to be entered, but a $5 fee will be charged for those wishing to attach lights.
"With Project Awake's location at the Newton Arboretum being utilized in a fashion other than before with the Festival of Trees, the Newton CVB decided to continue with the tradition, yet with a couple new twists, a new location and a new name," said Linda Bacon, executive director of the Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau.
"We formed a new committee in the Newton CVB to pull this event together in such short order. The new committee consists of Anne Gerken, Pam DeBruyn and Jennifer Headington."
Registration for a tree display may be made by calling Gerken at La Corsettee at 792-6833. Registrations will be taken through Nov. 18. Once registered, participants will need to pick up their paint cans at the Newton CVB office at 113 1st Ave. W. during regular business hours.
Times to set up displays are Nov. 19 from noon to 4 p.m. and Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Viewing of the trees is scheduled to kickoff on Friday, Nov. 27, in conjunction with the annual lighting of the courthouse and Lighted Christmas Parade.
In addition, Santa Claus will be visiting the Holiday Treepalooza on the kickoff evening after the Lighted Christmas Parade sponsored by the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce. Children will be able to have their pictures taken with Santa Claus, which will be printed on site. The picture taking event is being sponsored by the DMACC Student Activity Council.
Additional viewing times will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 28 and 29 and Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13.
Displays will be taken down on Dec. 13 from 3 to 5 p.m. and Dec. 14 by arrangement.
"We hope everyone will enjoy coming to the Newton Holiday Treepalooza," Bacon said.
