Tree advisory plans OctoberFest staffing and a 'favorite tree' contest

Committee members confirmed volunteer shifts for OctoberFest — tentatively 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — and agreed to share space with the town's booth as in prior years. Members said master gardeners would staff several shifts and discussed logistics for transporting a demo tree and securing it during the event.

One member suggested a simple 'favorite tree' write-in fishbowl to drive engagement and gather contact emails at the booth. “Just put a little piece of paper… vote for your favorite tree in town,” the committee discussed as a low-friction way to surface nominees and create a sign or recognition for a selected tree or species.

The group also proposed tree-wrapping demonstrations and a selfie/photo stop to attract visitors, and discussed small giveaways (branded rain gauges or tree wraps). Members agreed to prepare handouts and to coordinate with staff on supplies and display materials ahead of the festival.