Area residents are invited to bring their retired Christmas trees, wreaths, and other “green” decorations to a late-afternoon/early-evening community bonfire on Saturday, January 9, at the Route 4A home of Paul and Lynette Currier.

To be held between 4:30 and 7 PM, the gathering will recall an old tradition in New England and elsewhere in which Christmas trees and wreaths were burned in a communal bonfire as part of a community celebration marking Twelfth Night, the end of the traditional twelve-day Christmas celebration and the return to the often-harsh reality of winter.

Co-sponsored by the Andover Community Association (ACA) and the Andover Congregational Church, the alcohol-free event is open to the public at no charge, and all ages are welcome.

The Curriers live at 320 Route 4A in Andover, about one mile north of where 4A intersects with State Route 11, not far from the Blackwater Junction Restaurant.  The driveway into their home (on the right, traveling north, about 500 feet past Lockwood Road), will be marked by a “Twelfth Night Party” sign.  Food (light dinner and dessert fare) will be sold by members of the Andover Congregational Church, with proceeds going to the Andover and Twin Rivers food pantries.

Things to bring:

• Your retired Christmas tree, wreath, and other organic holiday decoration. No artificial trees, please!
• Your musical instrument, for an impromptu jam session
• Your voice, to lend to an impromptu chorus
• Portable seating for indoor or outdoor use, if available
• Warm clothing
• Sleds, if sufficient snow has fallen – there’s a nice little hill on the property.

For more information, please contact ACA at AndoverCommunity03216@nullgmail.com.