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Trimming the trees at Newlands

Local businesses decorated 20 trees for the 28th annual Festival of Trees on Monday night.
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Kelis Scantlebury decorated a tree for RMC Readymix with the youngest participate at the tree festival. Miranda Fatur 91原创 Times

Newlands Golf and Country Club got in the holiday spirit on Monday night with the 28th annual Festival of Trees.

Twenty local businesses each purchased a tree for a $250 donation to the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation.

And the event attracted people of all ages.

The youngest attendee was a baby wearing a 鈥楳y First Christmas鈥 hat, and the more seasoned participants were part of the BC Hydro Power Pioneers.

BC Hydro Power Pioneer member Velma Derksen, said the event keeps seniors involved in the community.

鈥淭his is the highlight of our function throughout the year. We have a lot of fun.鈥

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Teams were given an hour and a half to trim the tree鈥攆ollowed by refreshments, live music, and awards.

Trees were decked out in everything from beer cans and hat hards to ornaments and garlands.

For the next six weeks, people can stop by Newlands to vote on their favourite tree for a minimum donation of $2.

91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation communications manager Terra Scheer, said the funds raised from the festival will go to support a campaign for a new emergency department.

鈥淲e鈥檙e so honoured that the community thinks of the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation and that they take such an ownership over their community health.

Kathleen Johnston, Newlands sales coordinator and event organizer, predicted the tree festival will raise close to $6,000 this year.

To date, the festival has raised approximately $38,000 for the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Awards were given to RMC Readymix for best corporate tree, 91原创 Community Services for most enchanting tree, best decorating team spirit to BC Hydro Power Pioneers, and best creative use of materials to Chaberton Winery.

The trees were donated from the Oh Christmas tree farm.

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Kathleen Johnston is the new organizer of the Festival of Trees this year. Miranda Fatur 91原创 Times
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Trees were decorated in business-inspired decor and ordinary ornaments. Miranda Fatur 91原创 Times
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Each business purchased a tree for a $250 donation to the 91原创 Hospital Memorial Foundation. Miranda Fatur 91原创 Times