Rachel Louchen reports from Pittsfield. The Berkshire Museum’s 28th annual Festival of Trees is, for many, the official kickoff of the holiday season. This year's theme, Myths and Magic, was a sparkling sight to all who entered the museum to see it completely transformed into a winter wonderland. Trees of all different colors were beautifully illumined and detailed, decorated by local schools, businesses, and community groups. Displaying a different theme corresponding to the sponsor: the Mad Macs tree featuring the classic Apple logo and the McTeigue and McClelland evergreen, laden with dozens of shiny rings hung from its branches. Guests enjoyed food and music as they wandered around the museum, where trees were propped up amongst current exhibits like Rethink! American Indian Art. Equally as enchanting to adults as the children, this holiday celebration will be on display until January 2. At left, Leanne Hayden with daughter, Maisy.
Natural Science Education Specialist Emma Kerr with intern, Alexandra Denreejaen; Member Erin Roark with daughter, Jasmyn.
Major Don Freer with his wife, Margaret Apkin Freer who was a consultant for the event; Beth Bisson with Matthew Sauer.
Trees of all shapes and sizes lit up the evening.
Greg Britton with wife, Alicia Britton; Debbie Watrobah, Cheryl Tripp and Donna Marie of WBRK which provided an appropriately themed radio tree to the event.
Denise Schuler with Dolores Rocha of Kimball Farms; Trustee Steve Bayne with daughter, Regan.
Christopher Larson with wife, Samantha Larson and their son, Logan.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
