Photo by Candace Boyne.

By Abby Zieverink

November 25-27

Festival of Trees kicks off Thursday at Evergreen Park

Nov 25, 2021 | 6:19 PM

The 33rd annual Festival of Trees kicked off Thursday evening at the Tara Centre at Evergreen Park.

The annual fundraiser for the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, this year, the event is back from November 25 to 28.

“It’s nice to be up and running and to see all the great happy smiling faces, so we’re looking forward to opening for general admissions (Thursday night) for our sneak peek,” said Keith Curtis, GPRHF Executive Director.

The festival this year has been expanded in a couple of different ways. Curtis explains this includes the Gaming for Good tournament and teen room for youth to play various video games.

“We’ve got the virtual reality guys here that are running their program so you can partake in some virtual reality gaming for a cost once you’re in and then you can join in on the Gaming for Good tournament.”

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Curtis explains they have also expanded the festival inside the Tara Centre to help with distancing and create a safe environment for residents.

He says the festival will be spread out into the main hall, as well as Hall B and C, in an effort to limit crowding.

“We’ve moved the Secret Shop and the Teddy Bear Hospital into another hall, so it’s separated from the rest, and we’ve got an expanded Christmas market.”

Although there are many additions, Curtis says they will still be having the usual events and activities seen at the festival in previous years, including Children’s World, the Popcorn Playhouse, decorated Christmas trees, gingerbread houses, Mrs. Clause’s coffee hut, cookie decorating, and live entertainment on stage.

Curtis adds he is excited to help put residents in the Christmas spirit with the festival again this year.

“It’s a great kick-off, we have some snow on the ground, so it has a bit of a winter, Christmas feeling but it’s not too cold out, the bright blue sky is out.”

All the proceeds from the Festival of Trees Fundraiser go to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation, which Curtis says is used to aid in enhanced healthcare in the local community.

“So it all goes to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital and the QEII Hospital for programming and enhanced medical equipment,” he added.

“(In past years) we’ve purchased different pieces of equipment that will enhance the care and reduce the care and reduce the wait times in the hospitals.”

The Festival of Trees is taking part in the Restriction Exemption Program (REP), meaning proof of vaccination with the QR code, or a negative COVID-19 test within the last 72 hours, and a photo ID will be needed to enter the facility. Masks will be required inside the building at all times.

Tickets can be purchased in advance here.

Photo by Candace Boyne.