The wait is over — Red Deer's Festival of Trees has returned for its 31st year.
Red Deer Regional Health Foundation's 31st annual festival kicked off on Nov. 29 and runs to Dec. 1 at Westerner Park.
Foundation CEO Manon Therriault said the festival is a generational event for Central Albertans. Many who came here as children with their parents are now bringing their children.
"It's definitely in people's blood," Therriault said.
"It's nice to know our community wants this event. It is genuinely the kickoff to the Christmas season. People have just come to expect to come every year."
The Tree Room features as many as 50 decorated trees, and handcrafted wreaths, for purchase through online or in-person bidding. A silent auction of a wide variety of items is also underway.
The Gift & Sweet Shop will tempt shoppers, and children can have fun exploring all the games in Candy Cane Lane. Children's choirs and local artists will perform on the Entertainment Stage.
Doors are open to the public on Nov. 29 and 30, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Candy Cane Lane closes at 8 p.m.), and on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets have also been available for special events during the festival, like the father/daughter dance Mistletoe Magic on Nov. 30. For more information visit www.reddeerfestivaloftrees.ca.
"I would say there's something for everyone," Therriault said.
This year the event will raise money for cardiac care equipment and resources for the expansion project at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. The foundation is providing the capital to speed up access to cardiac catheterization services, so the cause the 2024 event supports is "momentous," she said.
She said all the volunteers responsible for planning and working at the event, the set up and the take down, are essential for its success.
"We greatly appreciate the support because it wouldn't happen if they weren't here."
