Non-profit organizations began decorating Christmas trees this week for the upcoming Christmas Under the Stars Festival tree auction.

Non-profits will be displaying fully decorated trees at the Lehnis Railroad Museum from December 1st – 8th, and each tree will be up for auction to help raise money for the local organizations.   Silent auction bid sheets will be placed at each tree, and all proceeds will benefit the non-profit agency that decorated the tree.   To help the cause, the non-profits have recruited local businesses to sponsor their tree to help defer decoration costs.

The Boys and Girls Club of Brown County was the first non-profit organization to decorate their tree for the event.  Executive Director Danny Willingham and board members from the organization decorated their “Hill Country Holiday” themed tree on Wednesday.   The tree was donated by Home Depot of Brownwood who is supporting the non-profit for the Christmas tree auction.

The auction will offer the public the chance to purchase a fully decorated Christmas tree for the holiday season while supporting a local non-profit agency.

Awards will be presented to the participating non-profit agency and supporting business for the “Best Decorated” tree and the “Silent Auction Winner.”

The 4th annual Christmas Under the Stars Festival will feature holiday games, crafts, food and attractions for kids of all ages.  The event will take place on Friday, December 7th and Saturday, December 8th from 4-8 p.m. at the Depot Complex, Adams Street Community Center, and the Lehnis Railroad Museum.  Key attractions will include Mr. and Mrs. Claus, ice skating, rock climbing wall, and several holiday themed contests.

For more information about the Christmas tree auction and the festival, contact the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535.

Pictured from left to right with their Christmas tree are Boys and Girls Club board members Janice Garrett, Bob Starnes, Joan Atchley, and Cynthia Locker along with Executive Director Danny Willingham.