BLOOMINGTON -Beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses with an international flair may dazzle grownups, but small children may find them, well, a little boring.

The Festival of Trees has an answer for that: Jingle Bell Junction.

The Baby Fold fundraiser concluding today at the Interstate Center in Bloomington sets aside an area for toys and children's activities.

"I thought it was just trees and Santa, so it was good to have an area for kids," said first-time festival visitor Kathy Robinson of Pontiac, who attended with daughter Daria and grandsons Krue, 4, and Isaiah, 2.

As a retired junior high school reading teacher, Robinson enjoyed the Christmas Town Library area, which included a rocking chair and various Christmas-related books.

"The area for the children was very well done," she said.

Krue, already a versatile musician, enjoyed the traditional Christmas carols played by a flute choir, the Grace Notes, playing on stage in the center of the main room.

The children's area also features a train children can ride, a rope ladder, crafts and other activities.

As for the festival itself, the theme for its 14th year is "Christmas Around the World."

The theme was announced before Christmas last year, earlier than usual. That extra time must have inspired the designers, making this year's event the "most theme-depicted festival" so far, Chairman Larry Phillips said.

James and Gretchen Fagin of Lincoln College designed a Scandinavian-themed tree decorated with flags of the region's countries.

Dave and Donna Williams designed an American Indian tree complete with a dream catcher and American Indian herbs.

A tree titled "Children Around the World" had a globe on top and paper cutouts of children holding hands.

The international theme also showed up in the celebrity display area.

Devon Neise, co-chair of celebrity trees, designed the "Queen Tree," a tribute to Helen Mirren's Oscar-winning portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the movie "The Queen." The highest bidder for that tree will receive a DVD copy of the movie as well as an autographed poster of Mirren.

The tree is decorated with ornaments from Great Britain, which Neise acquired several years ago on a trip.

Assembling items related to popular actors, athletes and other famous people is a yearlong effort, she said.

"People think we dream something up in October. Au contraire," Neise said.

Planning the displays includes using many contacts of local friends, co-workers and neighbors to reach celebrities.

One example this year was a tree dedicated to Abby Cadabby, a Muppet on "Sesame Street." Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, wife of Normal native Paul Rudolph, is the voice and puppeteer for Abby.

An autographed picture of Patrick Dempsey of "Grey's Anatomy" and a copy of the show's script autographed by cast members were very popular.

On opening night, awards were given to tree designers.

A tree designed by Ruth Gordon of Atlanta United Methodist Women received "Most Christmas Spirit." The tree included a Nativity set at the base.

"Best Children's Tree" went to Marci Knapp of Keep in Touch Designs. A tree decorated with golden ribbon by Karen Richie, Ginny Copley and Sheila DeCair of Jeffrey Alan's won "Most Elegant."

Several events of the festival were sold out, including the opening night and the holiday style show, said Julie Payne, director of development and public relations of the festival. More than 1,000 meals were served Friday on Avanti's Family Night.

The annual event is the largest fundraiser for the Baby Fold, a child and family support agency in Normal.

Festival's last day

The Festival of Trees concludes today at The Interstate Center, 2301 W. Market St., Bloomington. Following are highlights of the schedule. Admission is $5 for adults, $1 for children ages 3 to 12; and free for children younger than 3.

9 a.m.: Doors open

10 to 11:15 a.m.: Community worship service

10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Brunch

10:30 to 11 a.m.: Suspended Men's Vocal Ensemble

11 to 11:30 a.m.: Calvary Methodist Men

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: The Unique Twist

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: The Zoo Lady

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Santa at the festival

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Characters, including Chip, the Prairie Thunder mascot

11:30 a.m. to noon: The Amazons vocal ensemble

Noon to 12:30 p.m.: College Park Christian musicians

12:30 to 1 p.m.: Baroque'n Consort

1 to 1:30 p.m.: B-N Youth Symphony ensemble

1:30 to 2 p.m.: Pianist Chiko Zintambuli

2 to 2:30 p.m.: Wesley UMC choral groups

3 p.m.: Auction closes