The 2019 Festival of Trees, being held at the original home of the Festival of Trees, the Western Development Museum, opened Friday, Nov. 29.
From Friday to Thursday, Dec. 5, seasonally decorated items including trees, wreaths, and swags will be arranged in vignettes for viewing and available for silent auction throughout the seven day event. In addition to special events listed below, there will be public viewing hours on Monday, Dec. 2, Tuesday, Dec. 3 and Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 /adult and $2/child.
Preview Evening was Friday. At approximately 6:30 p.m., the 20-foot tree outside was lit to officially announce the arrival of Festival of Trees. Visitors were the first to view the decorated items while enjoying appetizers, hot chocolate and entertainment by singer/pianist Sarah Whitbread accompanied on the violin by Erin Foreman.
Saturday, Nov. 30, by advance ticket only, the “Our People ... Our Place” Gala was organized to celebrate all that is outstanding in the community... the people... the talent ... the food ... the artistry ... and generosity ...with local talent including AJ Gagne and Gary Francis, the opening act, followed by the six-piece band Dukes Under Fire and other entertainers throughout the evening.
Sunday was Family Day With Santa, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with all kinds of activities for children. Pictures with Santa were available until 3:30 p.m. by silver collection. There were horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, craft making and letters to Santa. New this year was a Frozen Party with snowball throwing and dancing. There was live local entertainment throughout the day, and a snack bar.
The final special event will take place Thursday, Dec. 5, when a traditional Christmas High Tea will be laid out, complete with scones, clotted cream and other time-honoured high tea fare. From 3:30 to 6:30, sit amongst beautifully decorated items and listen to live entertainment as you enjoy your afternoon chatting with friends and neighbours. There will also be an opportunity to sample a time-honoured staple of UK ... a “G&T!” Admission is by advance tickets only: $25 per person.
Admission is $2 per child and, over 15 years of age, $5 per person.
Funds raised from the 2019 Festival of Trees will go towards the purchase of a new HC3 ventilator for Battlefords Union Hospital's Respiratory Department.
All photos by Averil Hall
* Please note these photos carry the photographer's copyright and may not be reproduced from this gallery. For print requests, visit https://www.mphocus.com/
