The Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex, on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin, will soon be transformed into a 26,000-square-foot Christmas fantasy wonderland known to many as Santa’s Village.

The purpose of Santa’s Village is to serve as a collection center for food and toys for service agencies in Northwest Tennessee. The event is sponsored by UT Martin, Martin Parks and Recreation and the C. E. Weldon Library.

The 18th annual Santa’s Village opens at 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, with a special tree lighting ceremony and runs through 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15. Hours of operation are from 6-9 p.m., Dec. 12 and 13; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14; and from 1-5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15.

This year’s Santa’s Village will have plenty of activities for children as well as an arts and crafts fair with more than 50 exhibitors on the complex’s mezzanine level. Among the attractions for the children are rides, a petting farm, the arctic avalanche slide, the 2002 can display, MTD’s model train display and Santa’s Place where children can sit with Santa and have their picture made.

Also featured is a line-up of non-stop entertainment from various local talents on the main arena stage. The theme for this year’s festivities is “Christmas in the Good Ole USA,” with new displays that will portray various locations throughout the country.

Admission is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring $5 worth of non-perishable food items or usable toys for seven service agencies that will distribute them to those less fortunateduring the holiday season. Santa’s Village set an attendance record last year when more than 13,500 people visited the complex.

“Santa’s Village is all about entertainment, helping others and getting people into the Christmas spirit,” said Dennis Suiter, director of Martin Parks and Recreation.

For more information, contact Martin Parks and Recreation at (731) 587-6784.