SIDNEY — The Shelby County Historical Society expects more than 500 children to participate in its annual Christmas of Yesteryear event Dec. 5 at the Ross Historical Center, 201 N. Main Ave.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ross Center, children and their families can build gingerbread houses out of graham crackers, make ornaments and pieces of pottery, enjoy cookies, popcorn, chestnuts roasted on an open fire and refreshments, watch pottery and woodcarving demonstrations and look at an exhibit of Christmas trees decorated by area students and a model train display. Admission is free.

Santa will be in attendance and optional professional photos with him, to be taken by Erin Pence, will cost $5.

Woodcarving will be demonstrated by the Shelby County Woodcarvers.

Students at Whittier Elementary, Longfellow Elementary, Holy Angels School, FCCLA of Sidney High School, Sidney High School Art Club and four Girl Scout troops have decorated trees that will be exhibited.

Outside, volunteers will roast chestnuts over an open flame and will pop corn for tree-trimming.

Brownie Troop 20327 members Rhyanna Reese, left, 8, daughter of Brian and Mary Beth Reese, and Riley Spradlin, 8, daughter of Wes Spradlin and Jenna Puckett, all of Sidney, decorate a Christmas tree at the Ross Historical Center Wednesday, Nov. 25.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2015/11/web1_SDN112815HistoricalTree.jpgBrownie Troop 20327 members Rhyanna Reese, left, 8, daughter of Brian and Mary Beth Reese, and Riley Spradlin, 8, daughter of Wes Spradlin and Jenna Puckett, all of Sidney, decorate a Christmas tree at the Ross Historical Center Wednesday, Nov. 25.