The Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library invites Guthrie Center residents to get creative and embrace the holiday spirit this week for their 18th Annual Festival of Trees.

This year’s theme is “Glowing in the Winter Darkness,” and businesses, civic organizations, and community members are welcome to set up their decorated tree during library hours from now until Saturday at noon. The public will then get to vote for their favorite tree starting Monday November 26th, and the three most popular submissions will receive cash prizes provided by a generous donor.

Library Director Pat Sleister shares some of her favorite past submissions, “We’ve had everything, from the Lego Club kids make ornaments for their little tree and that’s always special. Our library board president always does one of our big trees and Becky Carico just does a beautiful job, every year it’s got a different color theme so those are always fun to look at. I even have a half of a tree that hangs on my office wall that Judy Avey, one of our library assistants here, decorates every year and I never know what she’s going to put on it, so that’s a really fun one too.”

The library provides extension cords and timers, and the festival winners will be announced by January 2nd. Residents are also encouraged to vote during the library’s open house on December 1st. To reserve a spot in the festival, contact the library at 641-747-8110.