City urges groups to participate in tree contest

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October 12, 2012

City urges groups to participate in tree contest

Brian Smith CNHI The Weatherford Democrat Fri Oct 12, 2012, 08:00 AM CDT

WEATHERFORD — Spots are filling up fast for a Weatherford holiday tradition.

Registration for the annual Fantasy Forest Christmas Tree Decorating Contest and Silent Auction concludes Oct. 31, according to Kim Thieme with the City of Weatherford’s Main Street Program and Special Events. Thieme says there have been a few registrations so far, but groups and organizations often wait until the last minute before registering.

“We normally get about 10 to15 big trees and about eight of the smaller table top ones, which fills (the City Hall)foyer perfectly,” Thieme said. “Spots are going fast now that October is here, however.”

To register, call 817-598-4124, stop by 119 Palo Pinto St. at the recreation office, or visit www.weatherfordparks.com to download a form.

The contest and auction is divided into two categories: standard for trees from 5 to 9 feet tall and table top for trees from 2 to 3 feet tall. Standard is limited to the first 15 entries with table top entries limited to the first eight.

Setup and decorating is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2 and 3 at City Hall. Each group must stick to a theme and have all items needed for decorations.

Trees will then be available for judging from Nov. 5 to Dec. 3. Residents will select the People’s Choice Awards in both divisions, which will be announced Monday, Dec. 3. The Standard winner will receive $200 with the Table Top winner getting $150.

Auctions will continue throughout the judging period, which closes at noon Nov. 30. Clubs and organizations will receive all monies bid on their tree.

Thieme said some organizations will simply designate their funds to go toward a worthy group in the community. “We had one tree that Wright Chiropractic decorated and they designated all proceeds to go toward Cat Tails,” she said. “It’s all on how the decorators want to do it.”