‘Tis the Season: Annual Belleville Festival of Trees accepting holiday entries

It may be October, but the Belleville Area Museum is preparing for the Festival of Holiday Trees set for Nov. 21 through Dec. 21.
The event, part of the 24th Annual Belle Noelle Holiday Festival at the facility, displays trees and wreaths decorated by community organization, individuals and businesses. Organizers call the program a focal point of the holiday celebration in Belleville, Sumpter and Van Buren townships.
Each entry should have a cultural or historical holiday theme or one that is representative of the organization decorating the tree. Past themes have included an old-fashioned Christmas, Santas, gingerbread men, peppermints, patriotic red, white and blue ornamentation, and others. Organizers added that entry rules allow for a floor-size or tabletop artificial tree or an artificial wreath. A table-top tree can be a maximum 3-feet tall and entered wreaths much include a sturdy wire attached for hanging.

All tree and wreaths should have lights, organizers said and entries should include a long extension cord labeled with the name of the entrant. Entries must supply the artificial tree, a tree stand, lights, decorations, tree skirt and a decorative sign with the name of the entrant or decorator who completed the ornamentation.
In addition to displaying a tree, the museum offers the option of donating a fully-decorated tree for auction. The silent tree auction has been very helpful in supporting funding of museum activities, organizers said. The auction will take place from Nov. 22 through Dec. 17 and the auction winners will be available for pick up beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 17.
Those interested in participating in the silent auction should contact the museum at (734) 697-1944 or email kdallos@provide.net.
Applications for entries in the Festival of Holiday Trees must be received at the museum by Wednesday, Nov. 13.   The museum is located at 405 Main St. in Belleville. For more information, call the number listed above.