Carmen Driechel and her sons made decorating the Fortis tree a family event. This tree won the award for being the Most Unique of the 2016 Festival of Trees.
On the first day of the month, the Museum at Campbell River was once again transformed into a winter wonderland as the Festival of Trees opened up for it’s fourth season.
Each year, companies, organizations and families sponsor a tree in the festival, and this year is the biggest year so far with 25 themed trees.
Thousands of people come through the Festival of Trees each year, and it serves as a backdrop for many Christmas events and school programs.
A committee was formed this year to vote on which trees should win the awards for Most Traditional, Most Unique and Best of Festival.
After carefully considering all of the trees, the Most Traditional went to the “Wishing Tree”, which was co-sponsored by Campbell River Health & Drug Store, Cruise HR Solutions, Flooring Canada and Willow Point Wines U-Vin.
The Most Unique award went to Fortis BC, and the Best of Festival went to Modlux Interiors’ stunning tree called “Winter Wonderland”.
The judges also felt that the “Friendship Tree” in honour of Campbell River’s Relationship with Ishikari that was sponsored and decorated by Thong’s Jewellery & Repair should have an award, however they could not agree on the category, so for the first time in the festival’s history a Special Mention was awarded to this tree.
The most coveted award of the festival has always been the People’s Choice Award, and the Museum invites the public to come and vote for their favourite tree to win this award.
Proceeds from the Festival, which are raised through donations for decorating trees, will help support the Museum’s public and school programs as well as temporary exhibits.
The Museum is open for extended hours in December, so visitors can come see the trees seven days a week from 10-5. For more information call the Museum at Campbell River at 250-287-3103 or check www.crmuseum.ca .
The Thong’s Jewellery and Repair Tree was given a Special Mention. The tree features handmade origami, including a chain with 1,000 miniature paper cranes.
