The 2020 Trim-a-Tree contest winners were the Tulman and Beck-Ferruci Families with their entry "Lord of the (Five Golden) Rings."
Photo by Levin Aerial Works
November 3, 2021 – The Mansfield Downtown Partnership will host its 9th Annual Winter Welcome in Downtown Storrs on Saturday, December 4. Planning is underway for a fun, free event for the whole community to celebrate the new season!
The Partnership invites Mansfield families, organizations, groups, businesses, or clubs to join in the frosty fun by taking part in its Trim-a-Tree Contest or by creating a seasonal display.
For the Trim-a-Tree Contest, the Partnership will provide the tree, and participants provide the creativity! Trees can be decorated in a winter theme, holiday theme, or theme of the participants’ choice.
The contest is free to enter, but registration is required. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
For more information and a registration form, please visit downtownstorrs.org/winterwelcome.
Another option for Mansfield families, organizations, groups, businesses, or clubs to show off their creative skills are the seasonal displays, which will be set-up around Downtown Storrs for the event. Displays can be winter or holiday themed and may include sets and props; lighting; performers; and small treats or give-aways.
Each display will be about 20 feet by 10 feet. Additional space and electrical access may be available, please contact the Partnership to discuss such needs prior to registering.
There is no fee to participate in either the Trim-a-Tree contest or in hosting a seasonal display. However, registration is required for both activities by Wednesday, November 24.
Registration materials are available on the Downtown Storrs website: downtownstorrs.org/winterwelcome.
The Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry’s 2020 seasonal display featured giant puppets and shadow puppets depicting the arrival of winter.
Photo by Levin Aerial Works.
Winter Welcome will take place from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM in Downtown Storrs on Saturday, December 4.
In addition to the Trim-a-Tree contest and seasonal displays, there will be strolling musicians, a visit from the “Snow Sisters,” video projections, and more.
The E. O. Smith Choirs will lead a community sing-along to kick off the festivities at 4:00 PM on Betsy Paterson Square.
Winter Welcome is free and open to every-one. This event will take place rain or shine.
Please contact the Partnership office (by email or call 860.429.2740) with questions about the Trim-a-Tree contest, seasonal displays, or other plans for Winter Welcome.