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Kennedy Krieger's Annual Festival Of Trees Is Just A Week Away

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—One of the most anticipated events that kicks off the holiday season is right around the corner.

Mary Bubala reports The Festival of Trees starts the day after Thanksgiving.

For three days only, the Maryland State Fairgrounds transforms into a winter wonderland with more than 600 specially decorated trees and gingerbread houses.

It's been a family tradition since 1990, and it's the largest holiday themed festival on the East Coast.

It gets us in the holiday spirit, including giving back.

Festival of trees raises thousands of dollars for Kennedy Krieger every year.

The institute serves more than 18,000 young people with disorders and injuries of the brain and spinal cord.

Some of the children there are making ornaments that will decorate a tree to be sold  at the festival.

"This is so cool that all of these decorations will go on the tree and will be a fundraiser for the hospital," said Eileen Vogelpohl, whose grandson attends Kennedy Krieger.

"We design a tree every year, and we have the kids involved in it. It's a great way for them to get involved in what Kennedy Krieger is doing as a whole," said Kelly Marcue, therapy center coordinator. "It also gets them really excited for the holiday season."

The Festival of Trees opens to the public on Friday, November 23 at 10 a.m. It runs through Sunday, November 25.

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