It’s looking a lot like Christmas in Central Alberta, and it couldn’t have happened at a better time for all of those working hard on the 20th anniversary of the Festival of Trees.
‘Festival Week’ kicks off on Nov. 16 with Festival Lights the Night and the Santa Claus Parade at 4 p.m. at City Hall Park.
The Festival of Trees will be open for public hours Nov. 22 and Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Westerner Park.
“The excitement is building and we have our fingers crossed that the weather will cooperate this weekend (for the Festival Lights the Night and Santa Claus Parade),” said Alaine Martin, project officer for the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation.
There are still limited tickets available for three special events that will take place during the Festival of Trees. Cirque de Noel takes place on Nov. 21 beginning at 7 p.m. This event is reserved for guests over 18 years of age. The Festival Business Lunch will take place Nov. 22. Attendants will hear a presentation by special guest Frank O’Dea, one of the founding CEOs of Second Cup. The luncheon takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The other event which still has seating available is ‘Tis the Season Fashion Luncheon on Nov. 23.
Doors for the lunchtime event open at 11:30 a.m., and it is a fashion-filled event coupled with a meal. Tickets for all of these events can be purchased online at www.tickemaster.ca, or by phone at 1-855-985-5000.
Volunteers are also still needed to help out at the Festival all week long. Anyone looking to help out can check out www.reddeerfestivaloftrees.ca, or call the ‘volunteer hotline’ at 587-876-0851 or the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation at 403-343-4773.
Martin added being the 20th anniversary of the Festival, there will be some special things planned including an extra light show during the Festival Lights the Night and Santa Claus Parade and a memory walk of trees from the last 20 years.
Proceeds raised from the 2013 Festival of Trees will go towards upgrading equipment and technology for Diagnostic Imaging, Urology and the operating room.
Diagnostic Imaging and Urology will work in collaboration to purchase and install a new imaging unit in the operating room in Red Deer Regional Hospital.
The urology imaging equipment will assist the urologist with visualization of the urinary tracts of males and females and the reproductive system of males. When not in use for imaging, the equipment will be used for prostate surgeries, stent insertions and/or any procedure that requires access to the bladder in a surgical environment.
Meanwhile, Martin encourages Central Albertans to take in the Festival of Trees.
“It’s really a celebration of the time of year – the festive season is upon us and it’s a great way to raise money for something that benefits everyone through the Red Deer Regional Hospital.”
For more information on this year’s events or about being involved with the Festival of Trees, check out www.reddeerfestivaloftrees.ca, email at foundation@albertahealthservices.ca or contact Alaine Martin at 403-406-5517/403-343-4773.
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
