Pictured: 2023 Christmas Tree Festival at the Allen County Museum. Picture Date: November 29, 2023.
LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Each year, the Allen County Museum brings us delight with brightly shining Christmas lights at the annual Christmas Tree Festival, which has officially begun! Our Madison Kenjura has the story.
It's the most wonderful time of the year at the Allen County Museum! In collaboration with the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District and the Allen County Master Gardener volunteers, the annual Christmas Tree Festival is back for its 51st year! The festival features over 130 Christmas trees registered by area organizations, community groups, and individuals, decorated for everyone's enjoyment.
"I've only been the director of the museum since August, so this is my first time experiencing it. But what I've seen so far is that it is a really important community event. You know, there's a lot of partners that get involved in planning it and making it happen, and we're looking forward to having a bunch of people come through. We've already had some pretty good attendance, and we just like to be able to be out there with the community and have them enjoy the holidays," said Christine Fowler Shearer, director of the Allen County Museum.
Visitors to the festival can look forward to enjoying the time-honored traditions that have become an integral part of the event. These include casting their votes for their favorite tree, visiting Evergreen the talking tree, or browsing the many booths set up by organizations such as the master gardeners, who tend to the Children's Garden right next to the museum.
"It is part of the Christmas Tree Festival fundraiser. They have been saving and cutting all kinds of greenery and collecting baskets, and mugs, and things to put greenery in. This is a fundraiser for them, and we have everything from starting at $2 or $3," commented Joanne Rex, Allen County Extension Office Master Gardener coordinator.
The Christmas Tree Festival offers a range of on-site entertainment, including a children's discovery center and photo opportunities with Santa. It also features musical acts, from solo artists to local high school bands.
"This is my first performance here, and I was really interested by the amount of Christmas trees here and the museum itself. But performing here was definitely a blast. One thing I really enjoy about Christmas is not only giving to people but watching how happy kids are when they get gifts; it's just a really fun season," said Riley Knueven, Leipsic High School senior and trombonist.
The Christmas Tree Festival will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. most days. However, on Friday, it will stay open until 8:00 p.m. The last day of the festival will begin at noon on Sunday, December 3rd, and before it ends, the winner of the people's choice for the best tree will be announced on the Allen County Museum and Historical Society's Facebook page.
