BY TERESA MALLAM
Special to the News
They were making special Christmas memories to last a lifetime. Lots of children, from babes in parents’ arms, to toddlers, and teens, and groups of local school students joined seniors and many others Friday to visit and enjoy the magical 31st annual Festival of Trees.
The Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation fundraiser showcased beautiful outdoor theme displays, auction items, big and little artistically designed trees, wreaths, a gift shop and lots of family friendly booths.
Aimee Cassie, the Foundation’s CEO, was proud and pleased to see this year’s Festival of Trees morph from concept to creation. How are the new and always magical themes for the festival chosen? Well, nothing succeeds like success and often brand new ideas are hatched from ones that came before.
“I wouldn’t say it gets easier, or harder, to choose one each year,” Cassie said. “We draw inspiration from the incredible themes of the trees we see annually and (organisers) typically plan a year or two in advance.”
The multifaceted talents and hard work of event sponsors, businesses, organizers, volunteers and designers all help support the annual event. But it is the legion of volunteers, the many busy “elves” who continue to make it a success.
“The number of volunteers supporting the festival continues to grow every year, said Cassie. “Our leadership committee alone includes 24 dedicated individuals who take on the bulk of planning throughout the year.”
That group is supported by additional committees and event-day volunteers, creating a “large and passionate team” that makes this event possible, she added. Prince George and area plays a major role too, said Cassie, acknowledging “the incredible support we receive from our community.”
And it is all for a vitally important health care initiative that benefits so many people, she said.
“Every dollar raised during the Festival goes directly back to University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC) to support the purchase of a Star Guide system for the diagnostic department.”
This system will have a “profound impact” and benefit for cardiac, cancer and other patients in our region, she said. The 31st anniversary Festival of Trees fundraiser and family event is on through December 1, 2024 at the Civic Centre. Doors are open on Nov. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for general admission are $5, per person, per day.
And new this year, there is an Outdoor Market. The Kopar Santa Claus Parade — with over 40 floats and more than 200 walkers — gets underway December 1 at 12 p.m