By Quinn O’Hara

For the past six years the Courthouse Square in downtown Clay Center has been lit up with Christmas trees to celebrate the coming of the holiday season. Starting October 1st and ending on November 11th, local businesses, organizations, and residents can purchase a tree through the Festival of Trees for $75. On November 11th the trees are delivered to the Courthouse Square, and those who purchased a tree can decorate it until November 24th. Laura Schwartz, one of the event organizers, talks of how they source the trees:

She also details where the proceeds for the event go:

The proceeds of the tree sales also benefit the students in the Clay Center Middle School Wrestling program, who in exchange for helping clean up after the event, receive a charity donation to their school. The Festival assures that each dollar in profit goes back into the community.

Schwartz says the event has increased in popularity over the years:

Businesses can continue to decorate their trees with LED lights, shatterproof ornaments, and other accessories until the 24th, when the Clay Center Christmas Parade will take place.