It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Allen County Museum as around 100 decorated trees are set up as part of the annual Christmas Tree Festival.
The event is put on by the museum as well as the Church Women United and the Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District with the goal of bringing "a shiny bright Christmas" to the Lima area, and there is plenty to do along with taking a look at the decorations.
"You can come enjoy bands from the community groups and from the schools, there are items to purchase, the bake shop, the talking tree - on top of seeing the trees, you have all this hands-on activities and festive stuff that's happening," said Amy Craft, director of the Allen County Museum.
With event going on for nearly 50 years, there are plenty of good memories surrounding the festival. For one particular volunteer, who has been here for nearly all 46 years, she says it's been nothing but fun.
"I remember when this started when Mrs. Mack started the whole thing, and we didn't have this many trees then, there were only a few trees," said Sharon Smith. "The talking tree has always been here, that's always been a big feature for the kids, and the to go and see the MacDonald House and how special it is and how it's been kept up so well, everything is so lovely here."
The event runs until Sunday, December 2nd, and is free of charge for people to stop in and enjoy the festival. With so many sights to see and things to do, organizers say that everyone in the family will be able to have fun during their time at the museum.
"Just seeing how all of the kids come together, there's seniors that come together, there are adults; all of it is just a wonderful opportunity, it's all free, which I think is fantastic," Craft said. "It's so community-oriented and is such a great way to engage with the community."
