Fifty-seven decorated Christmas trees will be on display on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5-8 p.m., at First Church West Hartford at 12 South Main St.

By Joy Taylor

Kim Carbone, West Hartford Festival of Trees coordinator. File photo

During West Hartford’s annual Holiday Stroll on Dec. 1, 2016, visitors will have a chance to view and bid on 57 decorated Christmas trees during the third annual West Hartford Festival of Trees at First Church West Hartford. The tree exhibit will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. and will include live music and refreshments.

Since the church is perfectly situated right in the middle of Blue Back Square and The Center, holiday strollers are encouraged to pass from one area to the next via the church parking lot which connects Isham Road and Farmington Avenue. The Festival of Trees is located right off the parking lot in the church’s auditorium space.

“We are pleased to have 57 trees from all over the community,” commented one of the event coordinators Kim Carbone. “We have a great mix of donors including individuals and businesses from all over the West Hartford area.”

Visitors can view the trees for a $5 suggested donation and are encouraged to “go raffling” among the trees and other prizes. Raffle tickets will be available for $10 for a sheet of 10 tickets that can be placed in containers next to each tree. Winners will be notified by phone on Sunday afternoon. (More information on the church website.)

All proceeds from the event will help support community outreach programs, including but not limited to The Bridge Family Center, Habitat for Humanity, and Loaves and Fishes.