Christmas wonderland

The Festival of Trees brings nine days of kick-off-Christmas magic to the people of Prince George and area.

The event by Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, designed to raise funds for health care in the North, will transform the Civic Centre into a forest wonderland of 28 delightfully decorated large trees plus many small ones to suit all tastes.

Every tree is unique and you just have to read between the branches to take it all in.

"It's one of the premier events in the city to get people into the Christmas spirit, but more importantly, the funds raised are used to purchase medical equipment," said Don Gowan, SNHCF executive director.

"This year we've committed funds to the purchase of an endoscopy ultra sound machine for the detection of cancer. It's a $400,000 piece of equipment that will be used in surgery and the ambulatory care areas," said Gowan, noting, it takes hundreds of volunteers to bring the festival to life.

"Many work all year round to organize the festival. They are so selfless and giving, and we - with a staff of four - could never do this without them."

Every day at the festival brings new activities and the popular Teddy Bear Breakfast is already sold out.

But there are still tickets for the seniors tea Nov. 26, 1:30 to 3 p.m.; Jingle Bell Dance Nov. 26; fashion show Nov. 23 at 7 p.m.; family brunch Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon; and the Red Hat Ladies luncheon Nov. 24. Call SNHCF office at 250-565-2515 for tickets.

The 17th annual festival is open to the public Saturday -10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and continues Sunday - noon to 6 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Nov. 25 - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 26 and 27 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Nov. 28 - 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission tickets, available at SNHCF office at the hospital or at the door, are: adults $5 (festival pass $8); family $10 (pass $15); and seniors and students $3 (pass $5).

Other daily activities at the event include a gift shoppe, silent auction and raffles, children's health clinic, photos with Santa, children's craft world, live entertainment, and gingerbread house display.