By Shelly Kirchner

Correspondent

The first "Rhea-diant" Holiday Celebration-Festival of Trees will be held Saturday at the National Guard Armory in Dayton.

Local organizations, churches and schools have decorated trees, wreaths, table toppers and centerpieces in the "Peace on Earth" theme. Items will be displayed all day and then sold in a silent auction.

Proceeds will go to the Rhea Medical Healthcare Foundation to help buy treatment services and to fund community education projects, foundation director Kim Etheredge said.

"We are having this event at the National Guard Armory with the theme of 'Peace on Earth' to honor our military; past, present and future," Ms. Etheredge said.

"We have 20 decorated Christmas trees, 20 wreaths, two tablescapes and three centerpieces," Ms. Etheredge said.

St. Bridget's musical ensemble, Boots and Buckles and the Wolf Creek Children's Choir are among local musicians and choirs that will perform throughout the day.

Children can have their pictures taken with Santa, get their faces painted, create Christmas cards, make reindeer food and decorate cookies.

The event is presented by the Rhea Medical Healthcare Foundation and sponsored by the Continental Car Club, SSM Industries and others.

Shelly Kirchner is based in Spring City. Contact her at skirchner@bellsouth.net.

IF YOU GO

What: "Rhea-diant" Holiday Celebration-Festival of Trees

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: National Guard Armory, Manufacturer's Road, Dayton, Tenn.

Admission $4 adults, $2 children, free for children under 3

Information: 423-775-8580