These wreaths are hung on downtown Camden lampposts. Contributed photo

Members of the Camden Garden Club gathered Nov. 3 and 10 at the American Legion Hall to make bows and assemble the fresh balsam wreaths now lining Elm and Main streets lampposts in Camden this holiday season.

Since the 1950s, the club has provided holiday decorations for the town. The tradition of balsam wreaths adorned with puffy red bows and lights began in 1971 and this year marks its 50th year.

The club has purchased the wreaths from Evergreen Farms in Damariscotta for more than seven years, using funds raised during the club’s annual garden tour. Members attending the consecutive Wednesday work sessions contributed more than 100 volunteer hours to handcraft red velvet bows and wire multiple strings of lights to the wreaths.

The Camden Public Works Department installed the wreaths Nov. 10, shortly after the club assembled all 98 wreaths currently on display in downtown Camden.

Since 1915, the club has provided thousands of blooming flower baskets and lighted, decorated wreaths that adorn the downtown lampposts seasonally.

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