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Fantasy of Trees, the kickoff to the Christmas season for so many, is at full speed today for those wanting something to do after the Thanksgiving feast.

The annual event that benefits East Tennessee Children's Hospital will continue through Sunday at the Knoxville Convention Center, where hundreds of decorated trees and other symbols of Christmas will likely get everyone in the spirit of the season.

It is truly a community effort, and Blount County does its part each year to make this fundraiser successful. Groups here like Central Point Baptist and Sylvan Learning Center will have displays, while John Sevier Elementary, the Alcoa High School art students and Girl Scout Troop 325 are all decorating trees as part of the "Adopt A Tree" program. Each student involved in the project creates handmade ornaments and decorations for their school's tree.

In addition, students from the Alcoa Elementary School Singers, Artistic Dance Unlimited of Alcoa, Armfield Dance Academy in Friendsville, Maryville College Dance Team, Danse ET Plus in Louisville and Universal Stars are among the hundreds of entertainers at the Fantasy Theater.

This year's theme is "Jingle All the Way Home. There will be lots of decorated trees, room scenes, fireplace mantels, garlands, swags, topiaries, door designs and centerpieces, all created by talented people throughout East Tennessee. A variety of new children's activities are in store for the younger visitors along with the traditional decoration making, face painting and a giant talking snowman. Rides on the carousel, a stroll through Gingerbread Village and visit with Santa are all part of this annual celebration.

Attendance has grown each year. In 1985, estimates were 13,00 visitors came through the doors. Last year, over 54,000 experienced the magic of holiday tradition.

It is an undertaking that involved thousands of East Tennesseans who donate more than 156,000 hours to make this Fantasy of Trees a reality. The total attendance over 23 years has been over 1 million, and over $5 million has been raised for Children's Hospital. The proceeds from this year's event will help finance the purchase of equipment for nuclear medicine in the radiology department.

Purchases include two Millennium Gamma Camera Systems. One of the cameras at Children's is five years old, but the other is 20 years old and has very few capabilities. Different departments over the years have been beneficiaries of Fantasy of Trees proceeds.

In 2008, children in East Tennessee and surrounding states made about 155,000 visits to East Tennessee Children's Hospital for a variety of health concerns, from minor to major. During that fiscal year, children had about 1,800 nuclear medicine studies performed in the radiology department.

For those who love to shop, there are several booths set up with everything from jewelry to items for the home and sweet treats. There will be several ornaments prices at $10 or less.

There will also be an opportunity to purchase a ticket for $5 for a chance to win either a beautiful seven-foot tree decorated by Target Stores of Knoxville or one of five second prizes. The special raffle tree will be surrounded by a variety of electronics, children's toys, games, holiday goodies and much more. The tree and everything around it are being donated to the Fantasy of Trees by Target, and the lucky first place winner will take home the entire package.

If the turkey has been eaten and you're looking for a way to walk off the calories, head over to Fantasy of Trees. Shop for those on your Christmas list or get some ideas for decorating. And come away knowing you have helped children in East Tennessee and beyond.

For more information about Fantasy of Trees, call Children's Hospital Volunteer Services at 541-8385 or visit www.etch.com/fantasy.cfm.