Building community at the Brunswick tree festival | Column

Merrymeeting Tree Fest to Celebrate Holiday Season in Brunswick

Brunswick, Maine – The Bath‑Brunswick‑Topsham Regional Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents, businesses and community groups to participate in a new holiday event, the Merrymeeting Tree Fest, which will take place at the Brunswick Landing Yacht & Sailing Club on two separate weekends in November.

The festival will run from November 20‑22 and again from November 27‑29, with the Brunswick Landing Y serving as the host site. It is a six‑day event that will feature a tree‑raffle, children’s craft stations, live entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus, according to executive director Cory King of the Chamber.

“We could really use your help,” King told local reporters. “Whether you are a new community member, a seasoned community member, a business, a nonprofit, a municipal employee, a student, an adult, retired, or any combination of these things, there is something you can do to help us with this huge community event.”

Unlike the town’s previous tree‑festival partnership, the Merrymeeting Tree Fest is a stand‑alone event created by the Chamber and the Landing Y. “It’s a brand‑new festival with new partners, in a new location — so it’s a new name too,” King explained. “But it will share many of the classic tree‑festival elements that people love, such as raffled‑off trees, holiday crafts, and a festive atmosphere.”

How the Festival Works

Local businesses, nonprofits and families can set up “tree spaces” that feature themed décor and gifts. Each space must include a fake tree and a $500‑worth of goods or services. These spaces are then raffled off during the weekend preceding Thanksgiving and the weekend after. Participants can purchase 50‑cent raffle tickets, while admission to the festival is by suggested donation, making the event accessible to all.

The Chamber said proceeds from ticket sales will be divided between the Bath‑Brunswick‑Topsham Regional Chamber and the Brunswick Landing Y. The event will also allow nonprofits to promote themselves by creating door‑prize wreaths, and there is an option for participants to donate items such as gift cards, handmade goods or holiday decorations for display in the trees.

Volunteers and Fund‑raising

To support the festival, the Chamber is offering paid volunteer opportunities. “You can sign up for a shift and ask for a donation for your time spent volunteering to go to the local nonprofit of your choice,” King said. Volunteers will work two‑hour shifts (the last shift each day is 2.5 hours) and will greet attendees, handle money transactions, sell tickets at two stations, manage a 50/50 ticket booth, and assist with crafts. Each volunteer receives a festival T‑shirt and a $30 stipend that can be directed to a nonprofit of the volunteer’s choice.

“If you want to donate to, say, Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, but you don’t have the extra cash, come volunteer for two shifts and we will donate $60 to them on your behalf,” King added.

Community Participation

In addition to volunteering, the Chamber is calling on the community to help with promotion and decorations. “We need help getting the word out. We are beginning daily Facebook updates by November 1 and encourage people to share the Merrymeeting Tree Fest Facebook page,” King said. “We also need decorations! If you have extra lights, inflatable displays, wreaths or holiday décor you can’t use after December 1, please let us know.”

Interested parties can email [merrymeeting@midcoastmaine.com] or use the contact form on the Chamber’s website to register a tree space, donate items or arrange for décor donations.

Sponsorship

The event is supported by the Times Record and Bowdoin College, which provide financial backing and community outreach. The Chamber hopes the Merrymeeting Tree Fest will become an annual highlight of Brunswick’s holiday season and a new avenue for community building.

The festival promises a festive atmosphere, family‑friendly activities, and a chance to support local nonprofits. Attendance is free by donation, and the raffle tickets start at just 50 cents. For more information, visitors can visit the Chamber’s website or the Brunswick Landing Y’s event page.