Correspondent photo / Nancilynn Gatta Madelyn Bahrey, 3, of Niles, sits on Santa Claus’ lap at the McKinley Birthplace Museum. She is surrounded by 43 decorated trees during the 13th annual McKinley Christmas on Saturday in Niles, which featured several stops.

NILES — The 13th annual McKinley Christmas brought a bit of comfort and joy to the people attending it. With less than three weeks before Christmas, Saturday’s event was a respite from the traffic and rush to complete their gift shopping lists.

The afternoon event included four nearby venues celebrating the holiday. Guests could vote among the selection of 43 decorated trees at the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum’s Festival of Trees, listen to music at the McKinley Birthplace Home, create a candy cane ornament and participate in crafts and games at the Niles Historical Society’s home, the Ward-Thomas House Museum, and view the historical splendor of the Von Isley Estate.

“We have 43 themed and decorated Christmas trees. Last year we only had 33,” said Belinda Weiss, director of the National McKinley Birthplace Museum. Local historical societies, civic groups, nonprofits and local businesses provided the decorations.

Visitors could gaze upon Christmas trees on the outer edge of the museum floor and on the stage. Slips of paper were available to write down their favorite Christmas tree. The winner received a monetary prize.

Colleen Meade of Niles attended the event with her eldest daughter, Melanie Van Valien of Hubbard, and three of her children.

“This is fun for our family. We try to come every year. I like that they have a bus to take you from one building to another that has events. It is nice that McKinley Christmas is free since my daughter has four children. It is expensive to go to things. She has three sons with her today,” Meade said.

Van Valien noticed the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Cyberlinks / Wreaths Across America tree offered paper stars to write a veteran’s name.

“I put a star on the tree with my grandfather, Miles Cassidy, on the tree. He was born and raised in Niles but lived mostly in Warren. My grandfather was a World War II veteran,” she said.

Each tree was uniquely adorned. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Trumbull Chapter had distinctive decorations.

“Each ornament is a photo of a notable woman from the Mahoning Valley. There are 31 on this year’s tree, hopefully it will continue to grow,” said Valerie Kokor, co-vice president of membership.

Santa Claus was nestled under an ornament arch to greet children and hear their wish list with one of his elves handing out decorated sugar cookies. After leaving the museum, it was a short walk to the McKinley Birthplace Home. Christilee Roose of Hubbard and Frank Johntony of Champion greeted guests with their acoustic music of seasonal tunes.

Carrie Kibby, McKinley Memorial Library director, took guests on a tour of the home. She explained that the building features replica items that were similar to the furniture, decor and household items used in the time period that President William McKinley lived in Niles.

The last two stops brought visitors over the Main Street viaduct to the historic houses of the Niles Historical Society — the Ward-Thomas House — and the Von Isley Estate, which was the former Clingan-Waddell Mansion.

A felt snowball toss into a wooden basket, ornament decorating and coloring sheets were available for children. Sydnee Bartlett, 16, and a Niles McKinley High School sophomore, dressed as an elf, ran the snowball toss and gave away prizes to participants.

The Von Isley Estate displayed the grandeur of the more than 100-year-old mansion with hardwood floors, an impressive banister and stairs reminiscent of the Arms Family Museum in Youngstown, with one-of-a-kind fireplaces that were decorated for the holidays.

A visitor remarked to the owner’s mother as she greeted guests in the entranceway, “Thank you for saving this historical building.”

At one time, the structure was a YMCA that hosted dances and athletic events in the gym, which is now a ballroom. The original purpose of the building was Margaretta Thomas Clingan’s home, which was constructed for her when she married.

Attendees of McKinley Christmas said they felt the festive spirit of the season, from the greetings at their entrance into the venues to the decorations, snacks and drinks they received at each site.