The Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park had a vision and the drive to create a winter display at the Avenue of the Pines entrance to the park for the first time this year with the help of the park staff. While nothing can compete with the stunning fall display in the same location, we felt there was a need for something bigger to usher in the new season.
What started as a conversation about adding five artificial trees, lights and few decorations to the spot turned into the purchase of five live trees with huge root balls needing a fork lift to put in place. The trees will be planted in the park this spring to add to the health of the forested areas in the park.
The group held four community ornament making sessions Saturdays at the Creekside classroom in November and December to decorate four of the trees using natural materials and red bows. We are so thankful for all who participated in this activity. It was a wonderful way for adults and children to give of their time and talent without receiving anything in return except the warm feeling of knowing they had done something good.
The fifth tree is adorned with white, silver and gold bows attached to pinecones to make up our memorial tree. Names were added to the bows by family members and hung on the tree during our decorating and tree lighting event held November 23rd.
Several people braved the cold to help us place the ornaments made by the community on the trees that evening and add a candle to the memorial tree. It was a wonderful experience for all and one we hope to expand upon in the future.
