Megan Gienger (second from right) along with her and her husband Jason’s three children pose for a photo with Santa Claus on Wednesday, Dec. 4, in Gladbrook City Centre as part of the 19th annual Festival of Trees. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

GLADBROOK – It was a cold blustery night for Gladbrook’s 27th annual Christmas Tree Lighting and 19th annual Festival of Trees held in tandem on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Those who braved the weather noticed a few changes like the tree was lighted ahead of time, the horse-drawn wagon rides were cancelled (due to the bitter temperatures), and the food and prizes were held at Hometown Family Market’s seating area to get out of the wind. Despite the changes, many enjoyed the free hot dogs and hot apple cider and, as is tradition, the kids received prizes to take home and enjoy.

Santa came to town that evening as well. He was passing out Santa Sacks and posing for pictures for the happy and excited kids in the Festival of Trees set up inside City Centre. Many enjoyed viewing the unique and colorful decorated trees depicting the theme ‘Barnyard Christmas!’ A huge blowup Clydesdale greeted everyone as they got off the elevator.

The kids and adults enjoyed singing Christmas carols along with members of the Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School choir before the prizes were passed out.

The lucky winners of the four $25 trade dollar prizes were Doug Rowe, Shence Briggs, Dawn Peters, and Alannah McHenry.

The Festival of Trees will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Friday from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Have fun walking through the trees viewing the creative ways churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals carried out the theme.

Members of the Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School choir assemble for a quick photo inside the Hometown Family Market’s seating area on Dec. 4 during Gladbrook’s 27th annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Due to the frigid temperatures, the choir sang carols inside the shelter rather than by the tree outside. Those pictured include (front row, from left) Nattalee Brinkman, G-R vocal music director Ceclia Shutt, Quinn Thede, and Carly Wilson; (back row, from left) Vanessa Arvizu-Ersland, Jayla Hemann, Corbin Hutchnson, Nate Smiley, and Leila Thesing. PHOTO BY JEANNE PAUSTIAN

The Gladbrook Tree Lighting and Festival of Trees is sponsored by the Gladbrook Commercial Club and the area businesses and individuals.

Andrea Rowe still fits on Santa’s lap holding her granddaughter Analise. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

Decorated Christmas trees set up inside Gladbrook City Centre during last Wednesday’s 19th annual Festival of Trees. The display is open now through Christmas (refer to article for times) and features creatively curated trees by churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals in the spirit of the ‘Barnyard Christmas’ theme. PHOTO BY JEANNE PAUSTIAN

Vinny and Tucker Thompson in the “Barnyard.” PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

Amy Danner did a photo shoot of her kids in front of the barn on a hay bale including Braxton, Ariana, Orion, and cousin Bennett. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

Vinny and Tucker Thompson in the “Barnyard.” PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

The trade dollars winners included (from left) Shence Briggs, Alannah McHenry, Dawn Peters, and Doug Rowe. PHOTO BY JEANNE PAUSTIAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN