Last chance to enjoy Festival of Trees at Malaspina

Magician Shayne King will perform amazing acts of magic and illusion on Saturday, December 10, the final day of the Festival of Trees at Malaspina University-College in Nanaimo.

"If you haven't seen the festive display of over 35 decorated Christmas trees, hundreds of lights and decorations in Malaspina's upper cafeteria, this coming Saturday is your last chance," said Susie Caswell, Events Manager for the Malaspina Foundation.

The magic show is slated for 2 pm, with children's activities running throughout the day including face painting, cookie decorating and arts and crafts. Refreshments and treats will be available, and admission is by donation.

Raffle tickets will also be on sale, with the Festival of Trees draw scheduled for 5 pm. "We're raffliing off almost all of the trees, along with wreaths, gingerbread houses, and hundreds of dollars worth of gift certificates from local businesses," said Caswell. "If you're lucky enough to win a Christmas tree, we'll deliver it to your door a few days after the Festival, complete with all decorations and tree stand."

Gift certificates up for grabs include 20 rounds of golf at Fairwinds, $500 from Canadian Tire, $600 from Shoppers Drug Mart, $200 in lottery tickets and a collection of food vouchers and limited edition Beenie Babies from McDonalds.

The Festival of Trees is a major fundraiser for the Malaspina Foundation, with proceeds this year going towards student scholarships, bursaries and awards.

Organizers of the 11th Annual Festival of Trees "are absolutely delighted" with the public response so far, added Caswell. The Festival opened November 25 with the sold-out Gala Dinner/Dance, including a live and silent auction. Other highlights included two Family Days and two public days held over the past two weekends which drew approximately 3,000 people to the festivities. Caswell said the annual Festival business lunch for 250 people takes place this Friday, and is now sold-out.

Saturday's final day of the Festival of Trees takes place in Building 300 (upper cafeteria) at Malaspina’s Nanaimo campus, 900 Fifth Street from 12 to 5 pm. Free parking is available on site courtesy of Robbins Parking. For further information, call 740-6258.