Festival of Trees - Part 1

 Each year the Johnson County Historical Museum near us hosts a festival of trees and you can even vote for your favorite tree. The grands and I enjoy taking a trip there to see each unique tree and talk about which one we like best and why. A couple of Saturdays in December, Santa is there, but it seems we always miss him. There is even a gift shop, and we purchased a couple of hand painted ornaments this year and some homemade candy canes. 

This was the first thing that we spotted inside the door. Do you think he was parking his sleigh inside with the snow that we were getting this past weekend? That is what the grands decided the sign was for as it was right inside the door. 

What other kind of tree should be in the pioneer area of the museum? Here there is a dress up area and play area for the kids. I love this even though it is simple and mostly handmade. Does this not remind us of holidays past? 

I believe this was the Daughters of the American Revolution tree. I loved the flag on the top, and it reminded me that patriotism should always be shown in each season and not just the Fourth of July. 

I don't find anything that tells me which tree this was, but I remember that the ribbon reminded us of candy canes. Even the ornaments were red and white. Do you use anything like this on your tree?

My youngest daughter loves gingerbread men and houses and so she was thrilled to see this adorable little gingerbread bear ornament on this tree. Do you like gingerbread?

What would Christmas be without the Grinch?

Are you feeling Grinchy? I will admit that I have been. With being sick and my feet hurting, I will say that this Christmas has not been the merriest for me. 

This was the Galbreath Photography tree. They were photographers for a couple of weddings that I have attended, and I will say that I love their work. I think that this tree showcases photography and the work that they do. 

Look what we found- Santa's Sleigh!!! Parked at a different door than where we had seen the reserved for Santa sign. 

Playing around with some cute props for photos.

We loved these glasses. 

If I had a fireplace at home, I would want my mantle to look like this at Christmas time with maybe some battery-operated lights mixed in with the flowers. 

Don't mind my reflection in the mirror. I just love this mantle!

I decided that I need a tree like this in my Pink Zebra office since our wax melts are called Sprinkles. This was designed by a local ice cream shop called Millies. It is added to our list of places to visit. Just too cold at the moment. 

The 1950's section of the museum is one of our favorites' even though none of us were alive in the 50's. The local theater, The Artcraft always has this tree featured there and what a unique tree it is. Do you see the popcorn bucket on the top. They are known for their locally grown popcorn and the Popcorn Lady, Irene was well- known in the area before she passed.  

Who remembers these aluminum trees? We actually had one of these a few years when I was a kid. I remember thinking it was such a cute tree and fancy. Now, I think how hideous these actually look compared to the many trees available today. 

This is one of the ornaments on the Artcraft tree. This will actually be playing this weekend. 

Maybe a 50's candy? I never heard of Turkish Taffy. 

This is featured in front of the candy kitchen display. Nicks was a hangout for kids in that time. A vintage tree with vintage ornaments.

What would the 50's be without the King of Rock and Roll - Elvis Presley! 

Some very pretty vintage ornaments. Make me what some of these on my tree at home. 

This is going to be a rather long post, so we will close this out today and tomorrow we will share the trees that we were able to vote on and some of the other fun that the museum offered us. Several photo ops were available as well and we took advantage of them all. Stay tuned for part 2.

Merry Christmas