It’s a Gingerbread House Christmas!

This year’s annual Festival of Trees at the John Paulding Historical Society museum promises to be a real crowd pleaser! The museum is located across the street from the Fairgrounds in Paulding. Dates are November 9, 10 & 11 and November 16 & 17. 

“This is our largest fundraiser of the year.” Kim Sutton, JPHS President, remarks, “Last year Shannon Ruschel stepped forward as the chairperson of this event. She did a fantastic job and she’s continuing this year. We are very blessed to have so many hard working, devoted volunteers who put in a lot of time and effort to bring this event to our community.” 

The doors open Friday night, November 9 at 5:00 pm with a freewill donation Spaghetti Supper. Sutton notes, “All of the meals we serve during the Festival are by freewill donation. This is a fundraiser and your donation helps us continue what we do all year long, which is preserving the past for future generations.” The Oakwood Community Band will perform at 6:30 p.m. Be sure to vote on your favorite tree by placing a monetary donation in the jar beneath the tree. Also, bidding begins on the Silent Auction items and will run through the festival. Be sure to get your tickets for the Weidenhamer/Borkosky Ohio State raffle. 

Saturday, November 10th Chili Soup will be served from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Joe Allen will be in Barn Two with his flying airplanes. 

Sunday, November 11th, Brunch will be served from 11:00 to 1:00. Pancakes & sausage, breakfast casseroles, fruit and rolls are on the menu. 

Then the next weekend the festival continues on Friday, November 16 with doors opening at 5:00 pm for a bean soup and corn bread supper. 

The big day for the kids will be Saturday, November 17 with doors opening at 10:00 am for the Kids’ Day Extravaganza and final day of the festival. We will have our popular Mouse Hunt, Gingerbread House decorating contest, letters to Santa station and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Kids Christmas Carnival with games and activities will be held in Barn One. Joe Allen will be in Barn Two with his flying airplanes. Walking Tacos will be served from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. For the evening meal we will be having beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans/corn and hot rolls from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Winners will be announced for the Judges’ Choice on top 3 trees that most closely reflect the Gingerbread House theme. Silent Auction winners will be announced and the Ohio State Raffle winner will be drawn. 

 The Festival of Trees is an event you won’t want to miss!