Festival Of Trees Opens; Winners Announced

Paris, Tenn.–A large crowd was on hand for Tuesday morning’s opening of the Festival of Trees in downtown Paris. Downtown Paris Association Executive Director Kathy Ray said the Festival “just gets better and better”, noting that 800 people visited the display last year.
The Festival of Trees is located in the 5&10 Event Center on Washington St. and will be open through December 18. Hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Sunday 1-4 p.m.
Best of Show winner was FirstBank with its monopoly tree.
Other winners were: Best Theme first place was Bruce Griffey’s ‘Honor Tree’, with second place to ‘Believe’ by PARIS! Magazine. Out of the Box was Sweet Jordan’s Laundry Co. tree. Most Traditional first place was Mockingbird Catering; second Tennessee Valley Community Church; third, Henry County Medical Center. Most Creative first Paris Board of Public Utilities, second W.G. Rhea Library, and third Carl Perkins Center. Tiny Tree: Traditional winner was CASA and Creative winner was the Henry County Board of Education.
Photo: DPA Executive Director Kathy Ray was greeted by The Grinch; Terry Wimberley, General Manager of BPU, receives the first place award in Most Creative; and hours for the event. (Shannon McFarlin photos).