By Amy Woolvett
THE COAST GUARD
Look up and you will see Shelburne’s usual Christmas decorations have been retired in exchange for a classic wreath hanging from light poles throughout the town.
A small committee of Shelburne residents calling themselves Deck the Streets with Brand New Wreaths felt the town needed a bit of a break from the 1980’s throwback decorations achieved the feat of organizing the creation, sales and placement of 200 wreaths at little cost to the town.
The dedicated group of volunteers helped to fund raise along with the generous donations from Woodworkers Home Hardware, TLC Pharmacy, Coldwell Banker as well as Shelburne and Area Chamber of Commerce.
Numerous businesses and individuals have also purchased a wreath for $20 in memory or honour of a loved one or pet or in support of the wreath effort.
“In cooperation with the Town of Shelburne,” said Lynn Winfield one of the organizers. “All wreaths that can be lit will be lit.”
Because of the short notice of the project the committee is thinking about next year to work with the town to have all wreaths lit for 2013.
The Town of Shelburne issued receipts for funds raised.
Wreaths were made by Nicky Pemberton and all brush for the project was donated by Mike Harris of Harris Tree Farm.
“Because of the amazing and overwhelming support from the residents and businesses we have sold out of wreaths this year,” said Sue Renaud one of the organizers.
“We are going to work on how we will repurpose our old decorations,” said committee member, Karen Mattatall.
People who have donated will have their names displayed in the window of King’s Corner.
The committee hopes that the project will continue to be successful for years to come.
“If all goes as planned,” said Winfield. “Next year the wreaths will have proper hangers and will be installed with lights so that the hang over the streets…please bear in mind that this is a work in progress.”
