FALL RIVER - Now that ghosts and goblins and candy corn are behind us, it's time to start thinking about Christmastime.

The Herald News and Creative Arts Network are partnering once again for the Fourth Annual Festival of Trees. Businesses, civic organizations, neighborhood groups and more are invited to sponsor a 6-foot tree for $50. The sponsor then decorates the tree however they choose.

Within weeks, Government Center will look like a winter wonderland with uniquely decorated Christmas trees. Winners will be named in several categories, including "Best Theme," "Most Original" and "Readers' Favorite."

Some recent favorites have included the Fall River Fire Department's tree, complete with red lights, a fire hose "garland" and fire hat tree topper; Catholic Memorial Home's "birthday" tree that showcased its residents with both old and new photos; and Center for Sight's tree complete with sunglasses "ornaments."

"Every year, I'm blown away by the creativity of the folks in Greater Fall River," said Herald News Editor in Chief Lynne Sullivan. "I love going to Government Center every few days to check in and see all the new trees. It's so hard to choose a favorite."

All proceeds go to the Herald News Holiday Fund, to be distributed evenly to Citizens for Citizens and the Salvation Army.

The Festival of Trees culminates in an event for the whole family, set for Saturday, Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., where guests can view the trees and enjoy live musical performances by local artists, a candy store, a holiday shopping area with free gift wrapping, refreshments, a visit from Santa and so much more.

To sponsor a tree and be part of this year’s “Festival of Trees,” call or email Creative Arts Network's Sandy Dennis at 508-294-5344 or dendenllc@comcast.net.

Participants can begin decorating their tree starting Nov. 26; deadline to finish decorating is Dec. 14; and the deadline to retrieve decorations is Jan. 4.

Or contact Lynne Sullivan at 508-676-2534 or lsullivan@heraldnews.com.