BROWNSTOWN
What’s your favorite color?
Apply that while coming up with a way to decorate a Christmas tree for the Jackson County History Center’s second Festival of Trees.
Starting Friday, people can call 812-358-4005 or 812-358-2924 to make an appointment to do setup. Trees need to be up no later than Nov. 25.
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Throughout December, the display will be available to view during a couple of Christmas events, and people can set up other times to walk through the livery barn on the center’s Brownstown campus to see the trees.
History center volunteer Margo Brewer said the inaugural Festival of Trees went so well, the board decided to do it again.
"The livery barn was transformed into a winter wonderland. It really was," she said. "The day we got it done, Gloria (Cross) and I stood back and we never dreamed it was going to be this pretty."
Individuals, families, students, church groups, organizations and businesses are invited to bring an artificial or real Christmas tree to the center, 105 N. Sugar St., to decorate with ornaments and lights based on the theme "My Favorite Color."
Brewer said the trees can be any size, from those on a tabletop to those on a stand. Ceramic trees are welcome, too.
The public can visit the display Dec. 2 during Brownstown/Ewing Main Street’s annual Hometown Christmas event. Then from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 and from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 8, it can be viewed while Santa Claus is at the history center. A tour of the trees also will be available at 6 p.m. Dec. 10 during the center’s annual Christmas in the Village.
While there, visitors can cast their vote for the people’s choice award. A prize will be awarded to the winner.
Brewer said the facility is handicap-accessible, and groups are welcome to make an appointment to view the trees.
In 2018, there were 13 trees eligible to receive votes, and another 12 were set up for people to look at while visiting the livery barn during the holiday season.
Several individuals decorated trees based on their interests, including jewelry and handmade doilies. Others were made by local school and community groups, including FFA, 4-H, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and German Club.
Around 500 people visited the display during Hometown Christmas, and another 300 saw it other times.
Last year’s people’s choice award was presented to Becky and Lester Urbain of Freetown.
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The Jackson County History Center is offering Festival of Trees for the second year in a row.
Individuals, families, students, church groups, organizations and businesses are invited to bring an artificial or real Christmas tree to the center, 105 N. Sugar St., Brownstown, to decorate with ornaments and lights based on the theme "My Favorite Color."
Starting Friday, people can call 812-358-4005 or 812-358-2924 to make an appointment to do setup. Trees must be up by Nov. 25.
Throughout December, visitors will have a chance to cast their vote for the people’s choice award with a prize to be awarded to the winner.
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