MASSENA — The Massena Arts and Theater Association will host its inaugural Schine Into the Holidays Festival of Trees Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Massena VFW, with proceeds benefiting the “Unlock the Schine” capital campaign.

The family-friendly fundraiser will feature raffles for decorated holiday trees donated by area businesses and individuals. Patrons can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win trees featuring different themes.

Refreshments will be available for purchase, along with a limited run of collectible Schine Theater Christmas ornaments. Community members also can purchase a snowflake in honor of a friend or family member. The snowflakes will be placed on the doors of the theater throughout the winter season.

“Our committee is excited to host this event and bring this to the people of the greater Massena area,” said Grace Danboise, Massena Arts and Theater Association board member and event co-chair. “We are so proud to see the community coming together around this event and the Schine. We hope that everyone comes out to support the theater and what this project can bring to the North Country.”

The event is sponsored by Phillips Memorial Home and St. Hilaire Financial Services.

More than 30 businesses and community members have donated trees for the event. Additional details and previews of some of the trees will be posted on the Massena Schine Theater’s Facebook page as the event approaches.

Massena Arts and Theater Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is leading the renovation of the Massena Schine Theater. Founded in 2013, the organization purchased the former theater and has completed two phases of renovation, including asbestos abatement and exterior facade restoration. The theater marquee was relit in October 2025.

MATA is in the middle of a $400,000 capital campaign called “Unlock the Schine.” The campaign has just over $100,000 remaining to raise in order to unlock matching grants that will allow interior construction to be completed and the theater to open.

The Massena Schine Theater was built in 1918 and became a centerpiece of the downtown area through the 1980s. MATA's vision is for the theater to become a cultural hub downtown and help lead the revitalization of the downtown corridor.

Once open, the theater is expected to host a variety of events, including live music, classic films and community events.

MATA is governed by a board of directors and welcomes volunteers of all ages to help with its efforts to revitalize downtown Massena through arts and entertainment.