The 25th annual Festival of Trees, presented by the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, will be held at the Civic Centre until Dec. 2
This family-friendly community event offers a host of activities which are geared to raise funds for the non-profit organization that provides the money for much-needed equipment at the University Hospital of Northern B.C. where they strive to make a difference for patients right here at home in the north, as the foundation's saying goes.
The Children's Workshop was busy Saturday morning as children decided what to make as their craft. The three children in the Harrop family were busy munching on their newly-decorated gingerbread cookies, trying to decide what to do next.
Garrett, 8, thought he might bypass making one of the many crafts and instead opt out in favour of purchasing a pair of fascinating magic glasses from the gift shop that show a holiday image like a snowman or a snowflake only when looking up at Christmas lights. Callie, 6, thought she might like to decorate a mini tree, while Ashlin, 10, hadn't decided yet.
"The Festival of Trees kicks off our Christmas season," mom, Laura, said. "We attend this event and then we can start decorating at home - December 1 or Festival of Trees, whichever comes first. The kids are super excited to then go home and decorate and so we make all of it a family event."
Laura remembers how the tradition started. Garrett was two and as they came into the Festival of Trees the Grinch was making his away through the display of stunning trees. Garrett was thrilled with the Dr. Seuss character and followed him around and since then the family has been back every year.
The Harrops had a discussion about voting for their favourite tree and Callie took over dad, Brendan's vote. Rumour has it tree No. 35 would be on top of Ashlin's best-dressed tree list, also known as the People's Choice award.
"Christmas is a magical time of the year and it's great spending time together," Brendan said. "The Festival of Trees gets us into the Christmas spirit as we look at all the beautiful Christmas trees."
Carol Bajkov has been in charge of the Children's Workshop for the last 20 years and said it's always one of the more popular areas of the festival as it's a good way for families to share in some creativity, while supporting a good cause.
Children can decorate a gingerbread cookie, or a Santa hat, stocking, ornament, or a little wreath, create a tinsel wand or make a bow for a toonie, while decorating a little tree or making a Poinsetta basket cost $4. All proceeds go directly to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, just like all the other funds raised.
"And we have free activities for the kids who'd like to just sit and colour or use some glitter," Bajkov said. "This area can get so busy some afternoons and we have a core group of volunteers that come back every year and that makes things a lot easier."
Check out the Festival of Trees schedule for a full list of events at www.festivaloftreespg.ca.
