It’s a Winter Wonderland as the Civic Centre is transformed for the 19th Annual Festival of Trees

Prince George, BC – This weekend marks the final two days of the 19th Annual Festival of the Trees…

The 10-day event is one of the major fundraisers for the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation.  Approximately 200 city residents enjoyed the Seniors’ Tea yesterday afternoon and last night’s gala evening of tapas, cocktails, and a live auction of several of the trees was a sell-out. 

Many more trees and wreaths remain ready to grace local homes as part of the silent auction, which will wrap up with the festival’s closing tomorrow afternoon. 

"So everybody is encouraged to come and take a look at all the trees on display," says Foundation CEO, Jessica Aldred.  "There’s an incredible range, and if there’s anything they’re tempted by, put down a bid."

This is the first Festival of Trees for Aldred, who arrived in Prince George in September to assume the top spot at the Foundation. 

She says she’s quickly realizing how prominently the festival figures in many residents’ holiday traditions and is awed by the volunteer ‘force’ involved in the annual event. 

"I think that’s the piece that’s really stood out for me in my first festival – is just the really incredible amount of volunteer support and the amount of work they truly do to make this possible."

The tree at left is entitled, "How to get to Sesame Street."  It was designed by Carol Beebe and Heidi Rautio and sponsored by Tim Horton’s.

The festival runs from 9am until 5pm today.  Tomorrow begins with the Teddy Bear Breakfast between 8:30am and 11am, for $15 per person.  The festival will then run from 11am until it closes for another year at 4:30pm.