Festival of Trees Continues this Weekend

Celtic band Shanneyganock performs folk songs and traditional Christmas favourites at the Festival of Trees on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 2 to 4 pm. For a full schedule of events, visit www.viu.ca/festival.

Christmas may be a few weeks away, but it's in full swing at Vancouver Island University.

The 11th Annual Festival of Trees is underway and there's still time to enjoy the festive displays and great entertainment.

The Festival's second Family Day takes place this coming Saturday, Dec. 3 from 12 to 5 pm at Malaspina's Nanaimo campus. Besides the beautiful display of Christmas trees, lights and decorations, there will non-stop musical entertainment by high school and community bands, and plenty of activities for children including face painting, arts and crafts, cookie decorating and Santa photos, and more. The entertainment schedule includes performances by Nanaimo Community Band - 12 - 2 pm, Dover Bay Secondary School Wind Symphony - 2 pm; Nanaimo Brass - 3 pm; and Lynne Pedersen (guitar soloist/singer) at 4 pm.

The Festival of Trees at continues this weekend at Vancouver Island University with Family Day on Saturday, Dec. 3 and a Public Day on Sunday, Dec. 4. The final public day is Saturday, Dec. 10. All events takes place from 12 to 5 pm. Admission is by donation. For information, call 740-6258 or check the website at www.viu.ca/festival.

Seniors and other community members may prefer a quieter day to visit the Festival on the second Public Day, Sunday, Dec. 4 from 12 to 5 pm. There will be special performance by Celtic band Shanneyganock from 2 to 4 pm. Voted Newfoundland’s 2004 Entertainers of the Year, Shanneyganock features Atlantic Canada’s finest accordion player. The band will perform traditional Christmas favourites and folk songs. Admission to Family Day and Public Day is by donation.

Raffle tickets will be available on both days for a chance to win one of the beautifully decorated Christmas trees, or items on several "product trees" including $200 worth of lottery tickets, 20 rounds of golf at Fairwinds and a $500 gift certificate at Canadian Tire. Refreshments and goodies will be available by donation.

All Festival of Trees events take place in Building 300 (upper cafeteria) at Malaspina’s Nanaimo campus, 900 Fifth Street. Free parking is available on site courtesy of Robbins Parking. The Festival also includes a business lunch on Friday, Dec. 9 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and a limited number of seats are still available. Call 250-740-6258 to reserve your tickets.

Face-painting is one of many children's activities planned during the Festival of Trees Family Day at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo Saturday, Dec. 3 from 12 to 5 pm. Admission is by donation.

The final Festival of Trees Public Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 12 to 5 pm, and includes a very special magic show by magician Shayne King of Victoria at 2 pm. The Festival of Trees draw takes place at 5 pm.

The Festival of Trees is a major fundraiser for the Malaspina Foundtion. All proceeds will support student scholarships, bursaries and awards. For further information, call 740-6258 or visit the website at www.viu.ca/festival.