Paulding County History Museum beginning to ‘Sparkle & Shine’

Paulding County History Museum’s largest fundraiser of the year, The Festival of Trees, is just around the corner – November 14-22. Explore nearly 30,000 square feet of holiday trees, displays and decorations in three buildings.

Admission and parking are free. Donations are greatly appreciated.

The museum is located at 600 Fairground Drive in Paulding, across from the fairgrounds.

Since September 30th, when the FFA students from Staci Miller’s class brought nearly 80 Christmas trees in from the shed, volunteers have been planning, organizing, and getting ready for the Festival. The theme for this year’s festivities is “Sparkle & Shine.” Elizabeth Miller is again the Festival chairman.

Garland has been hung, trees have been decorated by organizations, groups, clubs and businesses from around the county, as well as by dedicated museum volunteers. Organizers have planned meals, musical entertainment and even a few surprises for Festival-goers.

All meals are by free-will donation.

On Friday, November 14, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce will prepare and serve a spaghetti dinner from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A new feature this year will be Columbia Rose, a young guitarist and singer from Payne. She will perform at 7:15 p.m. following the dinner.

Saturday, November 15 – Kids’ Day, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Santa will visit at 10:00 a.m. and Chris Bercaw will  make balloon animals, throughout the afternoon. Lunch will be served, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: hot dogs, burgers, and mac-n-cheese. Supper, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., will be a Baked Potato Bar.

Sunday, November 16, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., brunch 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. At 2:00 p.m., Second Street Strings, a dulcimer group from Defiance, will perform.

Monday, November 17, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Dinner: turkey tetrazzini casserole, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., by the First Presbyterian Church Women.

Tuesday, November 18, Senior Day, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. At 4:00 p.m., the Paulding High School Jazz Band performs. 5:00-7:00 p.m., baked pasta dinner will be served by the Friends of the Paulding Parks.

Wednesday, November 19, 4:00-8:00 p.m. The Paulding County Senior Center will serve Baked Ziti, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. At 7:00 p.m., the popular St. Paul Lutheran Bell Choir will perform.

Thursday, November 20, 4:00-8:00 p.m., Soup & Chili Supper, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wayne Trace High School Band and Choir will perform at 5:00 p.m. and the Antwerp Community Band at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, November 21, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Hot Cocoa Bar will be open the entire evening as well as Jane’s Heavenly Dessert Bar serving yummy desserts, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Christmas Carol Sing-Along, at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 22, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This is also “Shop the Village”, sponsored by the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce. Hot Cocoa Bar, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Walking Tacos for lunch, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Silent Auction will close at 2:00 p.m. OSU Raffle drawing also at 2:00 p.m.

Don’t miss the adjacent Barn 1 and Barn 2, which are filled with lights, animated figures, Nativity scenes, inflatable characters and a dozen model train layouts.

Each day of the event, the Festival will have a photo booth, the Memory Tree, the Mouse Hunt, Vote for Your Favorite Tree, OSU Raffle, and the Silent Auction. Also, shop for unique gifts at the Country Store and to sign Christmas cards to be sent to U.S. Service members.

Check out the museum’s Facebook page facebook.com/jphsmuseum for details and updates. Museum volunteers hope to see you at the 2025 Festival of Trees!