by Rachel Hunter
The holiday season in Gouverneur arrived with community spirit shining brightly as neighbors gathered on Sunday, November 30, at the Eldon B. Conklin Community Center for the Chamber of Commerce’s first-ever Festival of Trees and Santa’s Christmas Village. The event opened in a burst of holiday magic, with evergreens glittering in unique themes, festive activities for all ages, and a heartfelt commitment to local causes. What began as a showcase of creativity quickly grew into a celebration of generosity, weaving together the sparkle of the season with the enduring strength of community.
The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce’s first-ever Festival of Trees was the brainchild of Chamber Vice President Donna Lawrence, who envisioned an event that would not only brighten the season but also strengthen the local economy and provide meaningful support to area charities. That vision has now come to life, transforming holiday spirit into tangible benefits for local causes and reminding the community of the power of shared purpose. The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce rallied behind the new event with full force. This included: Executive Director Donna Besaw, President Brooke Plowman, Vice President Donna Lawrence, Chamber Directors Shari Barnhart, Ray Babowicz, Michelle Blackburn, Diane Cocco, CJ Fitzgerald, Christian Gillan, Tim Reddick, Melissa Simione, Connie Stowell, Mickael White, and newly installed Directors Jessica Hentz and Kayla Ciambra. Together, this dynamic team embodies the spirit of collaboration that continues to drive Gouverneur forward.
Thanks to the generous support of the local business community, 35 festively decorated trees transformed the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center into a sparkling holiday forest. Visitors described the experience as stepping into a world of wonder—rows of evergreens glowing with lights, ornaments, and themes that reflected both creativity and generosity. Children’s eyes widened as they darted from tree to tree, pointing out their favorites, while parents and grandparents lingered to admire the craftsmanship and heartfelt messages behind each display. The walk through the forest was more than a visual delight; it stirred a sense of pride and belonging, reminding many that Gouverneur shines brightest when neighbors gather to celebrate and give back.
Tree donors included: Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, Gouverneur Public Library, Princess House – Connie Stowell, NOLA on MAIN, Empire State Mines, Northland Veterinary, Kinney Drugs, GSL, TLC-Nick Sterling, Gouverneur Hospital (Administration), The Raven’s Nest, VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary, Jrecks, Pickers Dream/B&N Liquidations, Emily’s Flower Shop, Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association, Girl Scout Troop #50027, Art By Rachel L. Hunter, Gouverneur Tribune Press, McFadden-Dier Leonard Agency, Community Health Center of the North Country, Gouverneur Business Women, VFW Post 6338, Gouverneur Hospital (MS Inpatient), The Hair Doktor, One More Chapter, Stepping Stone Church, New York Pizzeria, Gouverneur Lions Club, Northern Credit Union, Gouverneur Garden Club, Gouverneur Education Association, Rohe’s Quartz & Candles, American Legion Post #65, and Community Bank. There were also generous donations from the instructors and students of American Kang Duk Won Karate.
Public viewing continues today (Friday, December 5) from 3–7 p.m. at the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center, 4673 NY-58, Gouverneur. Attendees have the chance to “win” their favorite decorated tree by donating essential items to local causes, including pet supplies for Friends 4 Pound Paws, unwrapped children’s toys for the Neighborhood Center, and non-perishable food items for local food pantries. Raffle tickets are still available for purchase—just $1 each or 6 for $5—and each donation earns a ticket, turning generosity into opportunity. Every tree features a festive box beneath it, where tickets can be dropped for a chance to win. Raffle winners will be announced during the Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 6 at 4:30 p.m., with tree pickup scheduled for Sunday, December 7 between noon and 3 p.m.
At the December 1 Chamber meeting, it was reported that the first round of donations had already been delivered: pet items to Friends 4 Pound Paws, toys to the Gouverneur Neighborhood Center’s holiday drive, and food staples to local pantries. Each delivery represented not just generosity, but a shared commitment to lifting up those in need. The sight of decorated trees was matched by the joy of knowing that real lives were being touched—proof that Gouverneur’s holiday spirit shines brightest when the community comes together.
Yet the magic did not end with the glittering trees. Beyond the forest of ornaments, Santa’s Christmas Village opened its doors to the youngest dreamers, inviting them into a world of wonder all their own. Crafted with care and creativity, the Chamber devoted weeks to designing, painting, and installing the life-sized displays—transforming imagination into reality and allowing every child to step into the storybook spirit of Christmas. The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce expressed heartfelt appreciation to Director CJ Fitzgerald and Joe Fitzgerald, whose dedication and artistry brought this enchanting vision to life. On November 30, local children leaned over tables to write letters to Santa, carefully shaping their wishes before submitting them. Their anticipation grew as they visited Santa himself, sharing hopes for the season and posing for keepsake photos thanks to Gidget’s Photography. On opening day, photo donations soared past $900, a testament to the community’s generosity and excitement for the Festival. The enchantment in Santa’s Christmas Village continued as little ones explored stops at Santa’s Workshop, Santa’s House, Reindeer Barn, North Pole Express, and more. Laughter and joy filled the air, mingling with the scent of hot cocoa and popcorn as families paused to enjoy refreshments together.
The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce’s Festival of Trees and Santa’s Christmas Village has elevated the spirit of the season, transforming holiday cheer into a powerful force for community pride, local business vitality, and shared joy. What began as a celebration has become a strategy—rooted in the Chamber’s belief that when neighbors invest in one another, shop local, give generously, and stand together, they build not only brighter holidays but a stronger, more resilient future for Gouverneur.
Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that the Chamber’s holiday celebration will reach its grand finale with the Annual Christmas Parade and Festivities on Saturday, December 6. Event sponsors include: Kinney Drugs, Bonaparte Pharmacy, Community Health Center of the North Country, Lawrence Manor, Northern Credit Union, and Northland Veterinary Hospital. From 3–5 p.m., families can enjoy the magic of live reindeer in the Gouverneur Village Park, sip hot cocoa and refreshments at First UMC Gouverneur, and take in the charm of free horse-drawn wagon rides. As twilight falls, the Village Park itself will glow with holiday decorations—twinkling lights, festive displays, and the joyful bustle of neighbors gathering together. Parade line-up begins near Frary’s Funeral Home from 4–4:30 p.m. (sign-in required), with the procession stepping off at 5 p.m. through downtown Gouverneur. Spectators can look forward to dazzling floats, spirited community groups, and the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus himself. Neighbors are warmly invited to gather in the Village Park, where the decorations set the perfect backdrop for cheering on participants and sharing in the wonder of the season. Santa will visit with local children in the village park gazebo following the parade. It’s a tradition that unites Gouverneur in holiday spirit, and one you won’t want to miss. For more information, visit www.gouverneurchamber.net.