’Tis the season: Festival of Miniature Trees fundraiser kicks-off in Manlius

By Hayleigh Gowans

Staff Writer

The Manlius Historical Society recently kicked off their annual Festival of Miniature Trees with a preview party on Dec. 1 to showcase the decorated miniature trees that are available in the silent auction this year.

A total of 36 trees were donated for this year’s silent auction to benefit the MHS, said Karen Green, co-chair of the fundraiser committee. Each year for about 15 years, the society has looked to individuals, businesses and organizations in the community to decorate and donate miniature trees to be auctioned off in a silent auction.

This year, the trees are being showcased in the MHS’ Cheney House Research Center, 109 Pleasant St. in Manlius. A Stickley Wedding Mirror is also being raffled thanks to a donation to Stickley, Audi & Co.

Mike Allen, a blacksmith from the Chittenango Canal Landing Boat Museum, was on hand to provide guests at the preview party a demonstration.

The Manlius Historical Society held a preview party for the Festival of Miniature Trees silent auction fundraiser on Dec. 1. The trees will be on display until Wednesday, Dec. 14. (Photos by Hayleigh Gowans)

From left to right: Minoa Mayor Bill Brazill, Manlius Town Supervisor Ed Theobald, Manlius Village Mayor Paul Whorrall and Fayetteville Mayor Mark Olson. They acted as guest servers of the refreshments for the preview party.

At the Dec. 1 preview party, local dignitaries served refreshments, including Manlius Mayor Paul Whorrall, Fayetteville Mayor Mark Olson, Minoa Mayor Bill Brazill and Manlius Town Supervisor Ed Theobald. Mike Allen, a blacksmith from the Chittenango Canal Landing Boat Museum, was on hand to provide guests at the preview party a demonstration.

People interested in viewing the trees and participating in the silent auction can do so 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 1 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 to 5 p.m. on Sundays up to the final day for the auction, which is Wednesday, Dec. 14. Winners of the trees will be notified the next day, Thursday Dec. 15.

The public is invited to attend a reading from “Another Christmas Carol” by local author, Lee Woodard, from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the MHS. Admission for this event and the Festival of Miniature Trees are free and open to the public. Donations to cover costs and to support the MHS will be accepted.

The Manlius Town Shop, located in the Cheney House Research Center, offers products from local artisans and will be open during the December events.

For more information, visit the MHS website at manliushistory.org, email [email protected] or phone 682-6660.