The annual Festival of Trees is months away but it's already getting in on Prince George's birthday celebrations.
Organizers are planning a forest of 100 trees to time with the city's centennial, the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation's festive fundraiser announced Thursday.
That's quite the jump up from the usual 50 to 60 trees showcased at the Prince George Civic Centre
People were shocked at the challenge but excited to get started, said event coordinator Shirli-Gene Sadowick.
"We are just going to make it happen," said Sadowick, adding a new five-foot tree option should bring out smaller organizations. "I've even joked with our committee, if we're short by 20 trees at the end, all of the comm members will do a small tree."
Ten trees have been booked already, so she said they're off to a good start. Also new this year will be artisan demonstrations.
The festival, which runs from Nov. 20 to 29 this year, will be the biggest yet. Last year it raised nearly $550,00, adding to the more than $3.5 million raised for healthcare in the north since it started in 1994.
Sadowick heads 33 volunteers and thanked the more than 500 volunteers who helped last year.
"It's year-round," said Sadowick of the planning process. "We just think it's a great way for everyone to get involved."
