PIKE COUNTY, Mo. — In the featured image, Kenda Flynn, left, and Kim Luebrecht decorate for Champ Clark Honey Shuck Restoration’s first Festival of Trees, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 16, 17 and 18 as part of Bowling Green’s “Christmas in the Green.” A portrait of Clark can be seen in the background.

The Grinch had a good reason for pilfering everything from the Who houses before he took their Christmas trees.

It takes a lot of work to stuff all those branches up a chimney, but putting jing tinglers on them isn’t exactly as easy as carving the roast beast.

Champ Clark Honey Shuck Restoration Inc. hopes its first Festival of Trees will get visitors in the proper mood for the season.

The event is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 16, 17 and 18 at the Clark home, 207 E. Champ Clark Drive. It’s part of Bowling Green’s “Christmas in the Green.” There is no admission charge and all ages are welcome.

Honey Shuck board member Julie Leverenz got the idea from other communities, and saw how such festivals “added to the holiday experience.”

“A tree celebrates that hopeful feeling Christmas offers,” she said. “The spirit of Christmas kind of takes over.”

At least 15 lighted and decorated artificial displays are planned. Smaller ones sit atop tables and others up to seven feet tall can be found throughout the historic home. All have been provided by area clubs, organizations and businesses.

“We have lots of creative people in Pike County,” Leverenz said. “Originally, I didn’t know if this might be too big an ask. I have been overjoyed by the response.”

“It’s very worth it,” said Kim Luebrecht, who was adding ornaments on a recent Sunday afternoon. “I love the magic of Christmas. It’s warming.”

Examples of what visitors will find include a Parents as Teachers tree that features kids’ ornaments; the Bowling Green Rotary Club’s “Shoes for Orphan Souls” entry, complete with two pair of sneakers; and HOMEBANK, whose tree has a huge – but empty – money bag at the top.

And it’s not too late for procrastinators to get in on the fun.

“My philosophy has been there’s plenty of space in Honey Shuck,” said Leverenz, who can be reached at jlev.joyinthefog@gmail.com.

There will also be outdoor decorations, courtesy of Prairie’s Edge Garden Center, and cookies donated by Me Me’s Pantry to enjoy after the tour.

Other exhibitors or contributors are Ann Layne Boutique, Gypsy Soul Salon, RE/MAX Realty Shop, Southside Bar & Grill, Jane Gartman Paparazzi Jewelry, Bowling Green High School Interact, PEO, Pike County Courthouse, City of Bowling Green, Henny Penny and the Louisiana Area Historical Museum.

For a $1 donation, those attending can vote for their favorite tree.

In addition to making the season brighter, the festival is a good way of bringing crowds to the 135-year-old house, which Clark bought in 1898. Congressman William Hungate of Bowling Green purchased it in 1973 and turned it over to Champ Clark Honey Shuck Restoration. The property now includes a next-door annex and parking lot.

“People can come together and enjoy the holiday perhaps in a new space,” Leverenz said. “Honey Shuck is a treasure that many volunteers have put their heart and soul into for more than 50 years, and I encounter lifelong residents who have never visited Honey Shuck. The board is hopeful that the Festival of Trees will give visitors to the county, as well as local residents, a great excuse to really enjoy the Champ Clark home.”

While the politically-savvy Clark likely would have known better than to try a decorating campaign, his wife, Genevieve, would have enjoyed it.

“Anything we could do to attract people to the home she would have loved,” Leverenz said.

So, does Leverenz have a Christmas tree up at home yet? Uh, the Grinch would be proud.

“I love Thanksgiving and fall, and I try to decorate for Christmas that weekend,” she said.