WESTBROOK – With 50 decorated trees and much more, Westbrook’s Festival of Trees, an annual fundraiser, returns for one week starting Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church on Main Street.

The annual celebration brings together community businesses and organizations, which sponsor and decorate Christmas trees to be displayed at the church, with proceeds going to local charities. The weeklong festival, in its 14th year, also boasts longstanding events such as “Breakfast with Santa,” the “Teddy Bear Tea Party,” and the “Tips for Charity Luncheon.”

This year, festival organizers were hoping to break their previous record of 52 trees, and are now at the 50-tree mark. In a recent letter to past participants, festival coordinator Cheryl Leighton acknowledged the history and popularity of the community event.

“This festival has become a tradition for many folks,” she said. “The festival is so well attended by the community it yields great publicity and exposure for the sponsors and decorators.”

Pat Wilson, who leads the sponsorship organizing, said last week that the festival is “a gift to the community meant to be seen and enjoyed by everyone.”

Paul Corbett will be returning with his popular model train setup. Leighton said a new feature will be a room dedicated to nativity scenes on display.

On Dec. 6, the festival’s first event, “Breakfast with Santa,” is free, but donations are accepted. Leighton said pictures are taken and given to families. The event runs from 8:30-11 a.m. That evening, the “Festival of Feast” runs from 5-6 p.m. and features roast pork, red roasted potatoes, stuffing, fried apples, string beans, carrots, American chop suey, baked beans and cake, for $10.

A CLOSER LOOK

Viewing times for the Festival of Trees at Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church on Main Street in Westbrook are:

Saturday, Dec. 6, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 7, 2-4 p.m.; 6-8 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 8, 10-noon; 2-4 p.m.; 6-8 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 10-noon; 2-4 p.m.; 6-8 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 10-noon; 2-4 p.m.; 6-8 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2-4 p.m.; 6-8 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 12, 10-noon; 2-4 p.m.; 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13, 10-noon