Young and old alike will enjoy the 28th annual Battlefords Union Hospital Festival of Trees Nov. 24-27 at the WDM. (File photo/battlefordsNOW)

By Roger White

FESTIVAL OF TREES

BUH Festival of Trees putting community first

Nov 6, 2023 | 10:00 AM

For more than 28 years, its been as much of a Christmas tradition as tinsel and turkey in the Battlefords as the Battleford Union Hospital (BUH) presents its annual Festival of Trees.

The four-day event runs Friday, November 24 to Monday, November 27 and is jammed packed with fun events and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Executive Director of the BUH Foundation Leanne Ducommun told battlefordsNOW that the Festival of Trees is really a celebration of community.

“The Festival of Trees is about coming together as a community, getting connected and having a lot of fun in the process,” Ducommun said. “Couple that with raising funds to support better health care in our community and it’s a win-win for everyone.”

The festival kicks off on Friday the 24 at the Western Development Museum (WDM) with Opening night. The doors will open at 4 p.m. and guests will be treated to a wonderful array of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, centerpieces, outdoor vases, ornaments and entertainment.

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Ducommun added that organizers are elated to have the “Wonders of Christmas School Trees” return to the festival after receiving rave reviews last year from attendees.

“I can”t wait to see what the youngsters have planned for this year,” Ducommun smiled. “We expect to see wonderful displays from schools and daycares in the community and we have also invited the Boys and Girls Club and Big Brothers, Big Sisters to get involved so it will be exciting.”

Once decorated, visitors to the festival can bid on their favorite tree. The highest bidder on the trees will be issued a tax receipt for their donation, while the tree is donated to a local family in need.

Saturday’s events include the sold out Mystery Dinner Theatre at the WDM in partnership with the Battleford Community Players along with more displays and activities.

On Sunday, it will be Family Day at the festival complete with sleigh rides, face painting, crafts, a DJ Dance Party, and pictures with Santa.

Duccommun noted that this years Festival of Trees like others throughout the years would not be possibly without the generosity of so many volunteers and sponsors.

“This community always amazes me when it comes to giving, whether monetarily, through volunteering, prizing, you name it our sponsors are always there for us,” she added.

In particular, Ducommun thanked the Gold Eagle Casino who once again stepped up to be a Diamond Sponsor along the BATC Community Development for being a gold sponsor.

The 2023 Festival of Trees will wrap up on Monday November 27 with the annual Senior’s Tea with entertainment provided by the Ukrainian Connection. For a complete list of events happening during the Battlefords Union Hospital Festival of Trees visit their website or call the BUH Foundation office at 306-446-6652.

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roger.white@pattisonmedia.com