Hi folks! We know you’re not used to seeing us on Sunday night, but we have some special news…

As you know, we Maine Crime Writers are a festive bunch, so we jumped at the chance to provide a tree for the Augusta Elks Club Festival of Trees, which takes place this week. The festival raises money, in part, for the ongoing renovation of Augusta’s historic Colonial Theater.

If you’re not familiar with the festival of trees concept, attendees buy raffle tickets, then drop them in the canisters at the trees they like. A drawing is held at the end of the festival, and the winners take home the tree, everything on it and everything under it. More than 25 trees will be displayed at the Augusta Elks festival, with themes ranging from Christmas Spirit (think adult beverages), Rise & Shine (think all things coffee), several with toys, a camping theme, one with gift cards and more.

Friend of Maine Crime Writers Rebecca Milliken puts some finishing touches on the tree during setup Sunday afternoon.

Our Maine Crime Writers tree is festooned with bookmarks from Maine Crime writers, along with some other doo-dads; an Edgar Allan Poe mug; some Maine Crime Writers and Crime Bake swag, and other treats. But the biggest feature is, of course, our books, more than two dozen, donated by Maine Crime Writers Kate Flora, Dick Cass, Kathy Emerson, Maggie Robinson, Susan Vaughn, Julie Sebo, John Clark and me, Maureen Milliken, and several from crime and mytery writers who don’t blog with us. As you know, books make great gifts.

The festival is from 3-8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Augusta Elks Club, 397 Civic Center Drive, Augusta. There is a $2 admission fee, and raffle tickets can be bought inside. There will be hot chocolate and cider, Christmas music, and photos with Santa as well. So, check it out!

Here are some photos from Sunday’s setup session.

The Maine Crime Writers tree at the Augusta Elks Festival of Trees.

Our tree topper has a nice crime/mystery writer touch.

Some special friends keep watch on the books.

Our row

Some of the other trees included this Christmas Spirit tree, featuring a variety of adult beverages. Only those over 21 can bid! Sorry kids.

Too much Christmas Spirit? The Rise & Shine tree may be more your speed.

The Camping Fun tree was a relaxing sight.

A little elf helped set up the Frosty Country Christmas Tree.

More than 25 trees were set up Sunday afternoon, by businesses, organizations and families.