Celebrate 20 years of the Festival of Trees

NEWS RELEASE
THE LUNG ASSOCIATION
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The Festival of Trees is an extraordinary charity fundraiser designed to capture the imaginations of thousands. From across the region of Algoma, young and old alike will be drawn to this Christmas celebration. Throughout the festival there will be entertainment, children’s activities, silent auctions, and raffles. Arauco is proud to be a major sponsor of the Festival this year. Proceeds from the event support The Lung Association.

Imagine the ballroom and lobby of The Machine Shop transformed into a wonderland of festive decorations and beautifully decorated trees and wreaths from local businesses. The Festival is a combination of special events and general admission. All events will be held at The Machine Shop except for the Breakfast with Santa which will be held at the Station Mall food court.

The Festival runs Thursday, Nov. 15 to Sunday, Nov. 18. Guests of the Festival will have an opportunity to view beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and over 30 other items donated by local businesses and a variety of professional sports organizations. Items include an assortment of sports collectables, hotel stays, spa treatments, gift baskets, and more. Participants will be able to bid on various items in the silent auction or they may try their luck with the raffles.

Children will enjoy the festival too. They will delight in making Christmas crafts in the Northern Dental Care Children’s Activity Centre. The Centre is open throughout the Festival and is included with admission. Children will also enjoy complimentary face painting at various times throughout the Festival. All crafts and children’s entertainment are proudly sponsored by Northern Dental Care Don’t forget Santa who will be making a trip in from the North Pole to see who’s been naughty and nice!

Northern Dental Care is also contributing to the delight of children with its Secret Shop. No moms or dads allowed in this shop. Children are given the opportunity to purchase gifts for family and friends. The child’s purchase will be wrapped and ready for the tree when they leave the shop. All gifts are priced $5 or less.

The Station Mall merchants will also add to the Children’s Festivities by hosting a breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The breakfast will be held in the food court of the Station Mall from 10 - 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18. Tickets are $5 per person. Participants will enjoy breakfast, a surprise for each child and draws throughout the breakfast.

Adults will enjoy many special events throughout the Festival as well. The first special event held within the Festival is the RBC Royal Bank Take 5, Thursday, Nov. 15, from 5 - 7 p.m. The Sault and area business community will be on hand for the official opening of the Festival. The Savoy’s Diamond Tree Event begins on Thursday at the Take 5 and continues throughout the festival. For $20 you will have a chance to win diamond jewellery. If you are the lucky winner you have a choice of a diamond necklace, bracelet or ring valued at $1,500 from Savoy’s.

On Thursday night enjoy the KiSS 100.5 Coffee House from 8 - 10 p.m. Visitors purchasing a pass to the festival will savour complimentary hot drinks and treats from Tim Horton’s.

General admission passes to the festival are $12 for families, $6 for adults, and $3 for seniors and youth, $2 for children under 10. Festival passes are valid for the duration of the Festival. The price includes admission to all of the events, with the exception of The Take 5 and Breakfast with Santa.

Greeters will be on hand throughout the Festival to help guests find their way around this extraordinary event.

General admission times are:

Thursday, Nov. 15, from 7 - 10 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 16, from 12 - 10 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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