“You asked. We listened. It’s coming back!” 

The MAC, Milford Arts Council is super excited to announce the return of last year's favorite NEW holiday tradition, the MAC’s Buoy Tree at Lisman Landing in Milford, CT!

The MAC’s Buoy Tree is an outreach to the greater Milford community to come together and create a unique experience for the holiday season. Volunteers build a 20-30’ tree form from genuine used lobster traps (some complete with seaweed, weights and line!) It is then wrapped in sparkly white lights and overlaid with boat line knotted with hand-painted and decorated buoys created by local artists, families and businesses. At the tree lighting, Santa arrives by boat greeted by Mayor Ben Blake, who lights the tree, followed with entertainment by sea shanty singers. The perfect night to gather together and take that perfect family picture or selfie!

Makayla Silva, MAC Board member and Paige Miglio, MAC Executive Director say: “We could not be happier to bring this magical event back to our beloved Milford community. After last year’s display, the tree came down and we searched for another source of lobster traps. Funding has been very tight for the MAC coming out of the pandemic, so purchasing them was not feasible. We were delighted when BriarPatch agreed to loan us their used traps one more time.”

This year, in addition to selling buoys, the MAC is asking for donations to purchase gently used traps to guarantee the event becomes a yearly tradition embraced and enjoyed for generations to come. What makes this project unique and special is anyone can participate. The end result is a community-wide collaboration of artists, children, families and friends with charming one-of-a-kind hand painted and decorated buoys that are strung and hung from a tower of authentic lobster traps. 

Buoys are available for purchase online starting Friday 10/29 and may be picked-up on 11/4 from 4-6pm or 11/5 from 10-12pm at the MAC, 40 Railroad Avenue, Milford CT.

Additional pick-up is available during regular business hours, Tues-Fri 12-4PM at the MAC.

Painted/decorated buoys must be dropped off at the MAC on 11/26 from 9am-12pm

The MAC Buoy Tree Lighting is Sunday, 12/4 , details to come.

There are two sizes of buoys offered: 

- small for individuals and artists at $35
- large for sponsor businesses at $75
- packages of small buoy with investment of trap at $150.

Please visit the MAC website for purchase and details: www.milfordarts.org