Join the Celebration: Our Dental Clinic’s 10th Annual Festival of Trees!
Join the excitement as a crowd of visitors marvels at 75 beautifully decorated trees at the 2023 St. Apollonia Dental Clinic Festival of Trees in Presque Isle. Every ticket sold supports children’s dental care across Aroostook County!
Mark your calendars! A beloved local tradition is back and celebrating its monumental 10th anniversary, and you won’t want to miss it.
The St. Apollonia Dental Clinic Festival of Trees kicks off on Friday, December 6, at Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle—an event that’s become a holiday staple!
This festive gathering will showcase over 70 dazzlingly decorated trees and enticing gift bundles, serving as the primary fundraiser for the clinic. Founded in 2012 by dedicated local dentist Dr. Norma Desjardins and her husband Paul, the clinic emerged to provide essential dental care to children who desperately need it. Last year alone, the festival raised an astounding $190,000, enabling the clinic to deliver affordable services to more than 3,000 children across Aroostook County.
“Every dollar we raise empowers us to offer much-needed dental care to children without insurance or those who are underinsured,” noted festival committee chairperson Sherry Chamberland. “While MaineCare reimbursements have improved, they still fall significantly short of covering the true costs involved in treating these children.”
To fill that gap, the festival was born—and it’s thriving!
This year’s spectacular event runs from Friday, December 6, through Sunday, December 8, in the gymnasium of the community college.
With 75 enchanting tree displays filling the space to capacity, the enthusiasm is palpable! So much so, there’s even a waiting list of eager participants hoping to contribute if a spot opens up.
Festival-goers can purchase tickets—just $5 for a strip of ten—and drop them into buckets at their favorite trees. Winners will be drawn at the festival’s conclusion, creating moments of joy and excitement!
Tickets can be bought on-site or reserved in advance through the St. Apollonia website. If you reserve, simply stop by the special table to grab your tickets upon arrival!
In a special tribute to the event’s decade-long journey, organizers will honor eight tree sponsors who have been steadfast supporters since year one, including The County Federal Credit Union and Machias Savings Bank among others. These dedicated sponsors will receive special tokens of appreciation for their continued commitment!
Since its inception in 2014, the festival has experienced remarkable growth—from a humble start with 24 trees and a mere $9,800 raised to last year’s record-breaking $190,000. Each year, the festival grows stronger, and this year promises to be even more extraordinary!
Not only does the clinic provide on-site dental care, but thanks to these funds, they have expanded their outreach efforts as well. Practice Manager Julie Tucci proudly shares that St. Apollonia is part of an innovative program called Virtual Dental Home, which allows them to provide preventative care in schools and community sites, bringing the dentist directly to the children.
The Virtual Dental Home initiative is a game-changer, alleviating the burden on parents who struggle to find time off work to take their kids to appointments. “Our aim is to break down barriers and offer solutions,” Tucci says passionately.
St. Apollonia has already reached out to four different Aroostook County Action Program child education centers, providing exams with parental consent, and the outreach continues to flourish!
A collaboration with the Caribou Community School allows students to access dental hygiene services right at school, thanks to donations of dental equipment. Excitingly, this year, a similar program will be launched at Limestone Community School!
For Chamberland, the festival embodies the spirit of the season. She reflects on the enchanting atmosphere filled with sparkling lights and the joy of families. Each year unfolds new heartwarming stories—like that of a grandfather who, when faced with financial struggles, brought his grandchildren to the festival and left with a winning tree, creating a memorable Christmas for them.
“When he picked it up, his joy was palpable, and he shared how they couldn’t afford much for the holidays,” Chamberland recalls. “Moments like that truly make it all worthwhile.”
Best of all? Admission to the Festival of Trees is absolutely FREE! Join us on Friday, December 6, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, December 7, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, December 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Let’s come together to celebrate the joy of giving and make a difference in our community!
