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Smithers Festival of Trees approaches

As a virtual event this year, the festival runs from Dec. 1 through Dec. 12
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Smithers Festival of Trees light up the windows of Glacier Toyota (contributed photo)

Smithers Festival of Trees has moved online this year, although the public may also view the trees from the pathway outside of Glacier Toyota’s windows from Dec. 1 to Dec. 12.

This will be the sixth year Glacier Toyota has hosted the the fundraiser. In the last five years, it has raised more than $143,000 for two local charities, the Salvation Army and Northwest Child Development Centre. Last year it raised a record-breaking $53,000 in 12 days.

Some of the auction items and themed trees already online for viewing include a family outdoor fun tree, a pawesome tree, iPad Pro 12.9, wood furniture, a river float gourmet and a Destination Trip.

Anna Ziegler, a member of the planning committee, and part of the Glacier Toyota team, said the array of trees is spectacular, and the themes of the decorated trees are as varied and creative as the businesses that donate them.

READ MORE: Festival of Trees Grows

She said they started in August asking local businesses if they were interested in having the event this year because it’s been a most uncommon year.

“The overwhelming response was yes,” she said.

Ziegler said it became apparent about a month ago, with Covid-19 restrictions becoming tighter, that they would need to host the event online, out of an abundance of safety.

“There will still be volunteers around in the evenings to answer questions and help people view the trees in a showcase shopping experience through the windows, although we encourage people to enjoy safely,” she said.

READ MORE: Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign Started

There are more than 40 items up for bid this year, big and small, with the bidding set to start Dec. 1.

There is a feature on the site called a proxy bid that allows where you set your maximum bid and it will automatically keep bidding for you until your maximum is reached.

Ziegler said they did not set a specific goal this year because of the uncertainty created by changing the event and the pandemic, but hope to raise at least the value of everything donated.

“Most of all we want everyone to have a good time, enjoy the beautiful trees from the windows and to stay safe and healty,” she said.

Although bidding does not start for a few more days, the acution site is live so interested participants can register to bid by going to www.smithersfestivaloftrees.com.



deb.meissner@interior-news.com

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