The annual Christmas Tree Festival is celebrating 50 years and opens up to the public this Wednesday. There will be 112 trees on display, the most ever, from area groups, organizations, and agencies. Hundreds of people will attend the festival to see the displays, enjoy the activities and even get some decorating ideas. This year, Santa will be making an appearance at the festival along with all the long-standing traditions.

Over 100 individuals, organizations, and community groups registered trees that will be decorated for everyone's enjoyment.  The community can plan to enjoy the traditions that have come to be part of the event including Evergreen, The Talking Tree, the woodcarvers and rug hookers, fingerprint plaques, The Little Children's Shoppe, and the reading aloud of The Polar Express. Visitors can also look for the photo wreath display to continue their ongoing tradition or take part in a new tradition by taking a photo with Santa. Families can enjoy an exhibit of student artwork from Lima City Elementary Schools in the museum's auditorium.