The modern glass and glitter of the Dekker Centre atrium will be the backdrop for the display of trees, wreaths and swags up for auction at the 2013 Festival of Trees.
This year's Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation's Festival of Trees will be the 18th annual, and it will be in its fourth venue. A press release issued this week by the foundation indicated the board of directors resolved, after much deliberation, to review the format of the foundation's time-honoured event.
"Festival of Trees has been held at the Gold Ridge Centre for the past four years and we are absolutely delighted with the friendly, helpful staff and management, the elegant venue and cuisine and how they made us feel so welcome," said BUH Foundation board of director's chair, Jerry Wintonyk.
The board saw the Dekker centre's size as a bonus. The release stated organizers really needed more display and activity space.
"After a great deal of reflection," said Wintonyk, "the board decided that we would have to consider another venue for the festival. It was a tough decision as we are so appreciative of how the Gold Ridge Centre went above and beyond in helping us make the Festival of Trees a successful fundraiser every year."
The 2013 Festival of Trees will be held at the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts Friday, Nov. 29, Saturday, Nov. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 1. Changes to the format will include a preview evening and a formal evening of fine dining and dancing to a live orchestra.
The BUH Foundation is also planning a breakfast and pictures with Santa.
The seasonal decorated items including trees, wreaths, and swags will be available for silent auction throughout the three day event, and the foundation is hinting at more "big" announcements to come.
The foundation's executive director, Claudette McGuire, told the Regional Optimist one of those announcements will centre around "something really extraordinary" planned for the outdoor space next to the theatre.
The extra space indoors will mean more room for children's programming she added. The Gold Ridge Centre is a lovely venue and the staff were so welcoming, but it really is an adult venue, she said.
While the Festival of Trees is moving out of the Gold Ridge Centre, Ladies' Night, one of the purely adult events, which has been held in conjunction with the festival for the last several years, will be staying put.
"Ladies' Night has been incredibly successful at the Gold Ridge Centre which is the perfect venue for this event," said Ladies' Night Chair, Debbie Wohlberg.
Ladies' Night will become a stand alone event. It will retain the same format, but will be held at a different time from the Festival. It is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 1.
"We are excited about the opportunities the Gold Ridge Centre offers us!"
The chairs for the Festival of Trees are: Preview Evening and Outdoor Activities - Carey Tollefson, Marian McNabb and Pat Gotto; Formal Evening - Sandra Backus, Candace Whitwell and Eva Wouters; Breakfast and Pictures with Santa - Jay and Krista Crockett; Decorator and Designer Chairs - Koreen Lawrence and Janelle Cox.
If you would like to be involved with this event please contact BUH Foundation at 306-446-6652.
