Festival of Trees 2016
The 4th Annual Festival of Trees was held December 6th to 10th, 2016 , and the Dramatic Reading of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” was scheduled to be performed on Saturday evening, December 10th; unfortunately , due to the weather, the performance had to be cancelled… … “Bah humbug”
Congratulations to St. Andrew's Interfaith Sip & Stitch Group whose tree won in the "Best Crafty Decorated Tree" category and to everyone who participated in this event.
The Festival and the Dramatic Reading is held in support of the Mission Christmas Bureau. The results of the five-day event is as follows:
- Funds raised for the Bureau was in excess of $1200.00
- Pounds of non-perishable food items, boxes of Christmas gifts were donated.
- There were 25 decorated Christmas trees from various groups, families, churches, businesses, and organizations. After the event the decorated trees were given to the Christmas Bureau for distribution to families/seniors in the Mission community.
There were 31 volunteers involved and entertainers performed throughout the event. A special“thank-you” goes to all the volunteers, and to all the following entertainers: CanDance Studio, Tangerine Quartet, Rae Dawn, Jacob Greenan, Mission Arts Council Orchestra, Ukulele Group, Cathy Hardy and students, and especially to Rick Chadwick - A Band in a Box- who performed every day. Also thanks to the Fraser Valley Academy of Dance Children’s Choir, and Kat Wahamaa and Tony Rees, who had planned to perform but were unable to attend due to the weather/unforeseencircumstances.
Another disappointment for this year was the cancellation of the Dramatic Reading of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” performance on Saturday evening due to the very snowy weather; this performance had become an annual tradition.
Results of the voting by visitors to the Festival for their favourite trees, is as follows:
- People’s Choice Award - Mission Rotary Club – Sunrise
- Best Uniquely Decorated Tree - St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church – Kid’s Club
- Best Crafty Decorated Tree - St. Andrew’s United Church
(handmade decorations)
- Best Family Decorated Tree - Alexander, Clark, & Nan
- Best Business Decorated Tree - Mission Midwifery
- Best Organization/Group Decorated Tree - Hope Central @ Copper Hall
Honourable Mention also goes to the following:
All Saints Anglican Church Sunday School JMJ Photography Services
Girl Guides of Canada – Mission District Mission Rotary Club – Mid-Day
Joan Fishleigh 521 Aurora Squadron Mission Icenfire
The event ended on Sunday afternoon with a special ‘appreciation and celebration’ with music, refreshments, and thank-you’s.
A very special “THANK-YOU” to everyone who helped make this year’s Event possible