The Christmas season kicked off, as it has for the last decade, with the Lawrence County Festival of Trees and Christmas Market.

Held at the county’s Chamber of Commerce the weekend before Thanksgiving, the event marked its 10-year milestone in November.

From its start, in a much smaller form at Ohio University’s Proctorville Center, it has, since moving to its current location, grown in scale each year, both in number of trees displayed and in the addition of its Christmas Market, which highlights the work of local artisans and crafters.

Businesses and organizations decorate the trees, which are then auctioned off, with proceeds going to a scholarship for local students.

Not only does it raise funds for a good cause, but the event truly creates a sense of community and has something for all ages.

We congratulate Chamber director Shirley Dyer, who helms it each year, for 10 years of success and hope to see it continue for decades to come.