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Decorating co-chairs, left to right, Louise Erbach, Koreen Lawrence and Janelle Cox get ready for the 2019 Festival of Trees that takes place at the Western Development Museum from Nov. 29 to Dec. 5. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)
Holiday Tradition

Festival of Trees holiday fundraiser for BUH Foundation kicks off Friday

Nov 29, 2019 | 5:30 PM

What is silver and gold and dazzles the eyes of children each year this time in the Battlefords?

It’s the Festival of Trees.

The popular holiday fundraiser to support the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation celebrates its opening night Friday at the Western Development Museum in North Battleford. Tickets are available at the door.

There will be a bevy of brilliantly decorated trees and other holiday-themed crafts and items on display as part of a silent auction to benefit the BUH Foundation. Many of the items have been decorated by volunteers and donated for the event.

The event runs until Dec. 5.

“We probably have about 10 trees, and there are a number of wreaths, swags and centre-pieces – all kinds of really neatly-decorated Christmas articles out there,” Koreen Lawrence, one of the three decorating co-chairs for the Festival of Trees, said.

Opening night festivities Friday include a lighting of the “big tree” as well as an opportunity to be the first to view the holiday items on display in the silent auction. Visitors can also enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and appetizers.

One of the many items available in the Festival of Trees silent auction on display at the fundraiser for the BUH Foundation. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

A gala event is planned for Saturday evening with dinner, a live band and a live auction.

On Sunday, it’s Family Day with a variety of special offers on the agenda, including a cookie decorating event.

Other highlights include a Christmas High Tea on Dec. 5.

Tickets must be purchased in advance for the dinner gala and High Tea events.

“We encourage the public to come and check out all the beautiful articles,” Lawrence said of the festive items on display, adding that all funds raised during the Festival of Trees will benefit healthcare at the Battlefords Union Hospital.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow