Businesses can sign up to decorate trees for Festival at Fairgrounds

Augusta — The Festival of Trees, set for Saturday, Nov. 14, is looking for sponsors from the business community. Put on by the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show Foundation, the event offers decorated trees donated by area businesses and sold to visitors to the show, held at the Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Businesses can take the opportunity to promote their businesses by buying an artificial tree and decorating it. (The foundation has them available for $42.) For instance, an auto supply store could use spark plugs, air fresheners and so on. A sporting goods store could use fishing lures. An accounting firm could hang solar calculators, pens and glittery numbers from the branches. Participants can decorate with any theme, any business or promotional materials, but decorations should be hot-glued to avoid loss or damage during transportation. During the Festival of Trees, a placard will be placed by each tree identifying the donor. Patrons can purchase chances to win the tree(s) of their choice. Chances on holiday theme baskets will also be available. There is no admission and holiday treats and wine will be available. For more information, call 973-903-0470 or go to www.festivaloftrees.info. The Sussex County Farm and Horse Show Foundation is a 5013C non-profit; all donations are tax-deductible.