SANFORD — The town is hosting its seventh consecutive Spree of Trees fundraiser Dec. 4–7 at Memorial Gym, with proceeds supporting school-based projects that fall outside the district’s regular budget.

The Spree of Trees will take place on Dec. 4 through Dec. 7th, with the following times:

Dec. 4 (Thursday): 4 PM to 7 PM
Dec. 5 (Friday): 4 PM to 8 PM
Dec. 6 (Saturday): 10 AM to 5 PM
Dec. 7 (Sunday: 9 AM to 12 PM

The fundraiser began as a 20-tree event held in the former Ballenger’s Auto showroom and raised only a few thousand dollars. Over seven years, it has grown into a display of 155 trees and 30 vendors filling the entire gym. Last year, the event raised more than $65,000.

At the Spree of Trees, attendees can purchase raffle tickets and enter them into drawings for decorated trees, each featuring different prizes. Some entries are traditional holiday trees, while others are crafted from gifts arranged in the shape of a tree.

  “The trees are all so different, it’s hard to pick a tree that has been a favorite.  Although many of the “traditional” trees are decorated with amazing themes, my particular favorites are often the “trees” that aren’t trees at all and are crafted from gifts in the shape of a tree,” said Aaron Tremblay when asked what his favorite tree from the past was.

Funds raised support projects such as paving, track equipment, fencing, patios, ticket booths, and restroom upgrades for Sanford schools.

“The best part of the fundraiser is to see the thousands of community members that pour into the venue to enjoy the trees and take their chances to win a tree…and the fact that it’s a great start to the holiday season and a good addition to Holly Daze,” said Aaron Tremblay when asked what his favorite part of the fundraiser was.