Wilton Winter Wonderland tree and wreath reservations due Nov. 19

Last year, the first Winter Wonderland Festival of Trees was held. Organizers are planning to decorate downtown Wilton once again this year to celebrate the holidays.

WILTON - In a celebration of the holiday spirit, evergreen trees and wreaths are being made available by The Wilton Group to allow residents to turn the downtown into a sparkling winter wonderland this December.

Participants have until Saturday, Nov. 19 to reserve trees and wreaths for display in the downtown, in a continuation of a program The Wilton Group began in 2010. The organization, made up of local business owners and community members, is dedicated to developing programs to bring the community together and increase an awareness of local businesses and civic organizations in Wilton. The "Wilton Winter Wonderland Festival of Lights" is designed to get residents and businesses involved in downtown decorating in time for the holidays.

"We want the downtown to be festive," The Wilton Group Chair Susan Atwood said. "It was well received last year, that's why we're trying it again."

The festival, developed by Betty Shibles, includes three ways to help decorate, as well as an event on Sunday, Dec. 18 that will feature caroling and refreshments. Trees can be ordered through Rocky Hill Landscaping at 645-5381, for delivery to the grassy area across the street from Wilton Hardware on Nov. 28. There, The Wilton Group will provide tree stands, allowing participants to decorate a tree. Those trees will be lit on Dec. 4 and displayed until Dec. 18, at which point the owner can decide to donate the tree to local family for use through Christmas.

Large memorial wreaths, 24 inches (inside) diameter, are being offered by the local Boy Scout Troop 518. Those wreaths, celebrating the memory of a loved one, will be placed on the downtown lamp posts and lit. Contact Gina Labbee-Balsamo at 645-3037 to order a wreath. Smaller, decorative wreaths are being offered through Wilton Hardware to be placed anywhere in town. Contact Ray Jacques at the hardware store at 645-2266.

Trees are $25, while memorial wreaths are $40. The smaller, decorative wreaths are $12 or $14, depending on size.

On Sunday, Dec. 18, from 5:15 p.m. until 6 p.m., an evening of caroling is planned near the tree display, as well as refreshments being served at nearby Wilton Home & Farm Museum from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. Flashlights (and a willingness to sing) are recommended.

Atwood said the decorating event is in line with other recent activities undertaken by other civic-minded groups: the decorations accompanying the annual Blueberry Festival as well as the work by the Wilton Day Extension Homemakers to put up American flags for Memorial Day next year.

"We want to show support for our community," Atwood said, "and dress up the downtown for the holidays."