When the Sanford Alumni Association put on the Spree of Trees during its first year, the event brought in twenty trees donated by local companies and businesses.
Now in its fifth year, the annual Spree of Trees, which starts on Thursday, November 30th, is expected to have over 120 trees. The event is a fundraiser hosted by the Sanford Alumni Association.
The four-day event begins on Thursday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on the lower level of the Sanford Memorial Gym Cafeteria at 678 Main Street. It runs from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1st, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 2nd, and 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 3rd.
Sanford Alumni Association Board member Theresa Salls is the "brains and backbone" behind the event, according to Sanford High School Assistant Principal Aaron Tremblay.
"She visited a similar event six years ago and said then that we would start one and build it to be the biggest around," Tremblay said.
Tremblay said the planning committee has been working on this year's event since August. Sponsors have already begun setting up their Christmas trees this week. Tremblay estimates that they will have nearly 5,000 visitors throughout the event, and they hope to have a guest pianist for a couple of hours on Saturday and Sunday.
Each tree's gift value is estimated anywhere from $100 to $2,500. Visitors will have the opportunity to win nearly $40,000 worth of gifts and trees, adding an element of excitement and anticipation to the event.
Tickets cost $10 for one sheet of 25 chances, $20 for three sheets of 25, and $100 for twenty sheets of 25. With over 120 trees, Tremblay said people will want a number of chances to spread around.
The People's Choice Award will also make a return this year, honoring the tree that accumulates the highest number of tickets in its bucket. The award was started in 2022. Each tree will be raffled off at the end of the festival. All trees will be set up and decorated by the participants. The winners will pick up the trees the Monday following the event.
Furthermore, attendees will be treated to complimentary cookies made from scratch by the Sanford High School cooking classes and hot cocoa courtesy of Aroma Joes and cider.
The Spree of Trees also helps raise funds to support school-based initiatives. For more information about the Sanford Alumni Association, click here.