October 18, 2013 - 2:22am
Imagine the magical moment when the twinkle lights go on, decorations sparkle, and the crowd applauds as your team’s Christmas tree is illuminated for the first time in VIU’s 19th Annual Festival of Trees.
“We’re inviting community groups, organizations and businesses throughout Nanaimo to enter the TD Community Tree Decorating Challenge this year,” says Jason Nelson, chair of the Festival of Trees. “This event is a wonderful holiday tradition in Nanaimo, and an opportunity to bring your group together to create your tree masterpiece.”
Decorated trees will go on display at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre Nov. 21 through 29, with the public invited to view them, vote for their favourite, and purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win one of the trees.
With a month left until the set-up day for trees at the VICC on Saturday, Nov. 16, there’s time to get your group together, decide on a theme, and get to work on a fun, festive project.
“There’s always a healthy, spirited competition,” says Nelson. “We encourage entrants to get together to brainstorm, and choose a theme that shows imagination and creativity. Think about how your tree can represent your organization.”
A long list of potential tree theme ideas can be found on the Festival of Trees website at www.viu.ca/festival, along with guidelines for making the most of the experience. An elegant or traditional theme might be the right inspiration, or consider the possibilities of decorating a tree to depict Christmas in a foreign land, show off a favourite hobby or sport, or include memorabilia from a bygone era.
With more than 4,000 community members expected to view the trees, the Tree Decorating Challenge is an opportunity to network in a fun, festive environment, says Nelson. It’s also a chance to support VIU, with proceeds going to support students and their learning.
Community members who come through “Festival Grove” at the VICC will be invited to vote for their favourite tree between Nov. 21 and 25. The team with the winning tree will receive two tickets to the Festival of Trees Gala Event on Nov. 29.
The public will be invited to attend the RBC Tree Light Up Reception on Nov. 21; tickets are $30 each. Public Tree Viewing Days, with admission by donation, are Nov. 22 through 27. Bring the little ones out for the Island Savings Family Days Nov. 23 and 24, or attend the Public Late Night Viewing Nov. 27.
The event concludes with the Festival of Trees Black Tie Gala on Friday, Nov. 29, including fine dining, festival music, a gift auction, and dancing with a DJ. Tickets for VIU’s premier annual fundraising event are $195 each and available online for the first time this year.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Shari Bishop Bowes, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University
P:250.740.6443 C: 250.618.1535 E: Communications@viu.ca T: @viunews
Tags: In the Community
