GRANVILLE, NY—Every year for the last eight years, the Slate Valley Museum has ushered in the holiday season with its popular, regional Slate Valley Festival of Trees. This year’s event is still slated to take place, but it will be presented in a different format due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“Given restrictions on mass gatherings and the need for social distancing, we are sad to say that there will be no indoor displays at the museum this year,” explained the museum’s board president, Molly Celani. “But that doesn’t mean that we won’t be having the event at all. It’ll now be a virtual festival.”
As in previous years, the museum is welcoming the public to enter the Festival with their own unique tree. Instead of bringing their trees to the building where they’d be on display for in-person viewing, now entrants will be asked to provide photos of their trees that will be featured in an online gallery, connected to the museum’s website.
“It’s been such a challenging year for so many people in so many ways,” said Interim Director Sarah Kijowski. “We really wanted to move forward with some type of Festival of Trees, to help share some joy, happiness, and sense of community during the holidays. We can still celebrate together in some way even if we can’t celebrate together in person.”
Those interested in entering a tree into this year’s festival can download a form at slatevalleymuseum.org or call the museum to arrange for mailing or pick-up. The entry fee for trees is $25. This fee is waived if the tree is donated for auction.
In addition to donated trees, this year’s silent holiday auction will also include a selection of holiday gifts.Tree registrations will be accepted through Nov. 30, and can be submitted by email to associate@slatevalleymuseum.org or mail to the Museum at the address listed below. The museum is also accepting donations for the silent auction. Any questions can be directed to the same email address or by phone at 518-642-1417.
The festival and auction will open online by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4. The auction will close at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16. The online gallery of trees will remain up through New Year’s Day for holiday viewing and enjoyment.
