Cheer, creativity and community pride will spruce up the streets of Mattituck this holiday season.
The Mattituck Chamber of Commerce, Mattituck-Cutchogue PTSA and a slew of business are coming together to host Mattituck’s First Annual Deck the Trees on Love & Main Event.
Along Love Lane and Main Road, 30 trees are available for reservation by any clubs, teams or community groups looking to decorate together. Some trees are still looking for a holiday touch to add some sparkle.
“We’re doing it for community spirit,” says Tim MacDonald, vice president of the Mattituck-Cutchogue Elementary PTA. “Some excitement for the school district to bring everyone together right before the holidays.”
Each 4-to-5-foot tree is pre-lit. Once reserved, groups are welcome to let their imaginations run wild using weather proof- and wind proof-secure decorations. Glass accessories are not permitted and any additional lighting must be battery or solar powered.
At first, the plan was to have only 20 trees but because of the positive community reaction, the organizations added 10 more.
“The response has been amazing,” says Lauren Antonucci, Mattituck-Cutchogue PTSA president. “We had all 20 trees on Love Lane accounted for in just over two days.”
The glitz and glam began Dec. 6 and participants have until Dec. 15 to decorate. Between Dec. 15 and Jan. 3, when ornaments and other additions must come down, the best trees will be awarded in four categories: holiday magic, school spirit and community pride, most creative and most fun, funny or unexpected.
This festive decor opportunity is possible because of local business sponsors and volunteers, says Terry McShane, the Mattituck Chamber of Commerce president. The businesses along Love Lane also came out to play at Santa Bazaar Nite, kicking off Deck the Trees on Dec. 6.
As a winter-themed spin on the summertime First Fridays event, Santa Bazaar Nite featured a Polar Express train experience, hot chocolate, holiday music, photos with Santa and food, beverages, holiday shopping and raffles for adults. “The idea is that they’re able to walk around freely and have fun,” says McShane.
The Mattituck Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual Santa event, but it’s the first year with this structure.
“We thought, wouldn’t it be great to bring Santa Night to Love Lane and combine what has been very successful — First Fridays — with Santa and a lot of cold air,” says McShane.
To reserve and decorate a tree in town, register here.
