RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is hosting its annual Parade of Trees themed around the holiday classic "A Christmas Story."

Wednesday's event inside the Surbeck Center Ballroom features Christmas trees decorated by various organizations. In the 1983 comedy, Ralphie tries to convince his mother, his teacher and a department store Santa Claus that he should get a Red Ryder BB Gun.

The Student Leadership and Activities Association invites 25 to 30 organizations to try to outdo one other and produce the most creative and festive tree of the season. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MST.

The association requests a donation of two cans of food for admittance, with all proceeds going to the student pantry to help those in need.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Material may not be redistributed.

More From KSOO-AM / ESPN Sioux Falls