BUXTON – Next week’s annual Festival of Trees in Buxton is the finale for its longtime sponsor, but a church is stepping up to save the festivals in the future.

The fest, sponsored by Buxton Garden Club, opens on Monday, Dec. 8, and continues through Saturday, Dec. 13, in the Bar Mills Community Church, 13 Hermit Thrush Road. Holiday trees trimmed by groups and individuals will bedeck the church sanctuary that can be viewed free 2-8 p.m. daily.

Judy Sjulander, a member of both the garden club and the church, said this week that club members have lost interest in sponsoring the festival. But, she said, the festival would “definitely” continue on with church volunteers.

“The church is considering a month-long event next year,” Sjulander said.

The garden club launched the festival 25 years ago in Bonny Eagle High School before moving it to town hall and the church. Sjulander has been involved with organizing the event since its inception.

The idea for a Buxton festival hatched after Sjulander and her husband, Nils, visited a tree festival at a Navy base in Rhode Island.

“We thought we could do that, too,” she said.

This year, Sjulander expects to have 25 decorated trees on display.

Jean Harmon, Buxton selectwoman, said on Wednesday she enjoys viewing the trees and the decorating creativity.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity,” Harmon said about the weeklong celebration in Buxton. “I’ve always had a great time.”

Those sponsoring trees this year include the Barron Center in Portland, Long Horn Horse and Pet Supply in Buxton, Narragansett No. 1 Foundation in Buxton, Snell’s Family Farm in Buxton, Scout groups, individuals and the garden club.

“It doesn’t cost anything to look at the trees,” Sjulander said.

The Narragansett No. 1 Foundation provides a grant to fund the festival. Sjulander said donations would be accepted from the public at the festival to benefit the town’s “Keep the Heat On” program that assists needy town folk with winter heating bills.

Besides showcasing trees, festival volunteers will dish up an array of treats. On opening day, residents of Gorham House in Gorham will be served “Breakfast Among the Trees” from 8-9 a.m. Donna Davis, activities director at Gorham House, said on Tuesday that 15 of its residents would attend the breakfast and view the trees.

Sharon Newell, president of the garden club, heads up the breakfast for the third year and said she “hovers” over the festival to make sure everything runs smoothly.

A public luncheon at 11:45 on Tuesday, Dec. 9, with dine in or take out options will raise money for Keep the Heat On.

The festival has appeal among all age brackets with Scouting groups attending on Wednesday to decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus from 4-6 p.m.

Floral arrangements by Maine Street Florist is a feature on Thursday, Dec. 11, and community caroling is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12.

The “Fabulous Frozen Festival” is set for noon on Saturday, Dec. 13, featuring games, hot chocolate, food, and a bubbling chocolate fountain for dipping goodies like pretzels.

“Guests will be invited to ‘stuff some chocolate in their face,’” said Katie Sjulander, whose husband is Judy Sjulander’s grandson, quoting a line from the Disney movie, “Frozen.”

Some unique entertainment tops off the frozen festival, as two teenagers will dress like Elsa and Anna, characters in the movie.

“Crystal and Courtney Reynolds, two talented seniors from Bonny Eagle High School, will be joining us, to sing a few songs from the ‘Frozen’ movie,” Katie Kjulander said. “Our small guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite ‘Frozen’ character and to bring their dancing shoes, as music from the famous film will be playing.”

In addition to the church sanctuary where trees will line the walls, the church lobby will also be decorated for the tree festival.

“It looks beautiful and festive for Christmas,” Judy Sjulander said.

Gigi Sjulander of Hollis hugs her mother-in-law, Judy Sjulander of Buxton, during preparation this week for the Festival of Trees that opens on Monday, Dec. 8, and continues through Saturday, Dec. 13, at Bar Mills Community Church.