Christmas trees usually garner attention for what’s underneath them, but that wasn’t the case at the Creighton Community School gym over the weekend.
CADAC hosted its Eighth Annual Festival of Trees, with a colourful array of artificial pines as well as wreaths and centrepieces on display.
“I thought the entries were really spectacular and creative,” said organizer Laurel Mackie. “I think they’re getting better every year.”
Community generosity was on full display as individuals, groups and businesses donated 40 items – the most ever – to be exhibited and auctioned off.
Visitors admired a long row of trees that stood atop tables. Dotted with bright lights, soft ribbons and imaginative ornaments, the trees merged tradition with ingenuity.
One silver-branched tree, topped with the Cat in the Hat’s red and white chapeau, paid homage to Dr. Seuss; another was a smile-inducing merger of a tree and a snowman.
Just as much thought went into the row of handmade wreaths and the group of centrepieces.
Visitors also had the chance to get some holiday shopping done, with craft booths selling items like hockey jerseys and table lamps.
Creighton Community School students took the opportunity to host a tea as well as a Breakfast with Santa event, raising funds for their graduation ceremony next June.
Mackie estimates roughly 1,200 people stopped by the Festival of Trees, on par with last year.
The winners of the
festival, which carried the theme of “Sounds
of Christmas”:
Best in Show: “Dare to Dream: The Kodiak Tree” by Anita Rainville
Trees: “Share the Stories” by Creighton Community School’s Let’s Read Committee (most artistic); “Welcome Christmas: Dr. Seuss Tree” by École McIsaac School’s RAT (Recycle All Things) Pack (most original, people’s choice); “Dare to Dream: The Kodiak Tree” by Anita Rainville (most effort); “Ring Those Bells” by Salvation Army (theme winner).
Wreaths: “Birds of a Feather” by Meadowlark Florals (most artistic); “Sweet Memories” by MADD (most original); “Sounds of South” by CIBC (most effort); Jingle Bell Rock by Suzanne Daigle Bowenwork (theme); “Jingle Bells” by Play It Safer Network (people’s choice).
Centrepieces: “Sleigh Bells Ring” by Parkinson’s Society (most artistic); “Jack Pine” by Hudbay (most original); “Dashing Through the Snow” by Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre (most effort); “A Christmas Carol” by Laurel Mackie (theme, people’s choice).
