The Festival of Trees is one of the most-anticipated events of the holiday season.This year's event kicked off Friday morning with 150,000 square feet of holiday cheer at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started.There are hundreds of holiday decorations to look at, bid on and buy. The proceeds benefit the patients, students and programs at the Kennedy Krieger Institute."We have more than 500 trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses covered in lights, covered in all kinds of magic," said Michelle Mueller, director of special events at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. "There's a type of electricity when you walk through the door, the excitement from the community, from the patients, from the employees. We're just so glad to be here and welcoming everybody in person."Visitors will notice COVID-19 precautions that include timed-ticketing to cut down on crowd size, masked and fully vaccinated vendors, volunteers and staff. The wearing of face masks is preferred, but not required for attendees since the people working the event also work with critically ill patients every day."It's incredible to see that the community is coming out to this event to support Kennedy Krieger, but it's so personal for me now," Mueller said. "Two years ago, my son started needing services at Kennedy Krieger, and we did some outpatient programs, but then as recently as March, we had a five-week inpatient stay."Mueller's 5-year-old son, Tripp, is a festival ambassador this year."It gives a whole new perspective. When I walk around and see everybody, I almost feel like they're personally supporting me because that's what Kennedy Krieger is about. It's about families. When you go to Kennedy Krieger, there's a whole team of people taking care of you and your family, and so, here, it's a whole community taking care of my family," Mueller said.The Festival of Trees runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.