The third annual Festival of Trees at the Museum at Campbell River is attracting hundreds of visitors who come to see the festively decorated gallery.
A variety of local businesses have come forward to decorate Christmas trees in unique themes and styles.
The Most Unique tree award went to Marine Harvest for their marine themed tree entitled The Deep Blue Sea Tree. Most Traditional was awarded to the Campbell River Arts Council Tree, supported by CIBC, Gourmet Essentials and La Tee Da Lingerie Boutique, which is made up of all sorts of beautiful handmade ornaments.
The Best of Festival award was given to Life Labs Campbell River Patient Services Centre for their tree entitled The Heart of Service which features red hearts and birds, and silver and blue ornaments.
Complementing the twenty decorated trees are exhibits of classic toys, archival photos and vintage cards. Maynard Atkinson’s display of toys and gifts popular at Christmas from the 1940’s to the 1960’s includes books, puzzles, tin toys and a Meccano crane.
Ken Blackburn also has his display of classic and eclectic toys from the 1960’s.
There is also a display case of items from the Museum’s collection of toys and ornaments from Campbell River’s Christmases of the past.
Amongst the trees are some of the Museum’s collection of Lego structures, including the Willows Hotel, a Float House and Campbell River’s first schoolhouse, all made from colourful bricks.
Some of the interactive elements of the Festival of Trees are proving to be popular.
Votes are pouring in for the “People’s Choice Award” where visitors get to choose their favorite tree to win the most prestigious award of the festival.
The Wishing Tree is filling up with people’s hopes and wishes, such as a note from Emily, age 5, who wishes us to “Be Happy Always.”
The branches of the Lego Tree, which was decorated during the museum’s Lego Day on Dec. 5, are heavy with creative Lego ornaments made by kids.
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.
There is still time to come and see the Festival of Trees, which is running throughout the month of December daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission to see the trees is free.