Between the stockings, gingerbread houses, and hot chocolate, what’s not to love about the holiday season?

Downtown Rochester held its third annual Festival of Trees on November 19 and November 20 at the Rochester Community House. Children enjoyed a variety of activities, including craft tables and a visit with Santa , as well as holiday treats for guests to enjoy and live entertainment.     

Over 90 items were auctioned off, including Christmas trees, wreaths, and ornaments – all donated  by Metro Detroit businesses including Kruse and Muer and Lipuma’s Coney Island. Proceeds from the auction went towards the electric bill for The Big Bright Light Show, which  illuminated downtown Rochester this past Monday night.

Added excitement?  AHS art students were part of the excitement this year.

“It was an honor to participate in the festival of trees this year,” said junior Nicole Kim. “It was a very fun experience to decorate the Christmas tree and to have it auctioned off.”

This was not Kim’s first time participating in the festival.

“This was the third time I have participated in setting up the Christmas tree and I plan to help out next year as well,” said Kim.

Adams art students have been able to be a part of this experience since it first began.

“I read about (Festival of Trees) in the Rochester local newspaper and I thought it would be a good event for the students to be involved with,” said art teacher Ms. Deborah Bovio.

Of the items donated, the Rochester Adams Art Club students contributed a Christmas tree decorated by the students. Bovio bought the ceramic tree herself, but the students who participated in the voluntary project added their own decorations to the tree.

“The students made the ornaments on the tree and helped me set it up at the Rochester Community House Thursday night,” said Bovio. “The festival has been going for three years and we have participated in all three.”