High school, community bands set to perform at Festival of Trees

Non-stop musical entertainment and fun-filled activities for children – that’s what you can expect at the Festival of Trees Family Days at Malaspina University-College on Saturday, Nov. 26 and Saturday, Dec. 3 from 12 to 5 pm.

Children’s activities will include face painting, arts and crafts, cookie decorating and Santa photos. Musical entertainment will be provided by several school and community bands, thanks to the efforts of Festival volunteer entertainment coordinator Pene Jesske.

"Pene has done a wonderful job of making sure that Christmas music will fill the air at this year’s Festival of Trees Family Days," said Jon Beekman, Manager of Malaspina’s Alumni Relations Office, which is hosting the two Family Days events."The music, combined with plenty of children’s activities, will make this a wonderful holiday season event for families."

The entertainment schedule for Saturday, November 26 is:

12 pm Brass Connections

1 pm Wellington Jazz Combo

2 pm Lynne Pedersen (guitar soloist/singer)

3 pm Dover Bay Secondary School Wind Symphony

4 pm Catalina Strings

The line-up for Saturday, December 3 is:

12 pm - 2 pm Nanaimo Community Band

2 pm Dover Bay Secondary School Wind Symphony

3 pm Nanaimo Brass

4 pm Lynne Pedersen (guitar soloist/singer)

Families can also enjoy a festive display of over 40 beautifully decorated Christmas trees, hundreds of lights and decorations. Raffle tickets will be available for a chance to win one of the decorated trees. Refreshments and treats will be available for purchase.

The Festival of Trees Family Days take place in Building 300 (upper cafeteria) at Malaspina University-College's Nanaimo campus, 900 Fifth Street. Admission is by donation. Free parking is available on site during all Festival events courtesy of Robbins Parking.

The Festival of Trees is the largest community event in the Malaspina Foundation's annual fundraising program. Proceeds this year will support student scholarships, bursaries and awards.

For further information about the Festival of Trees, call the Malaspina Foundation events line at 740-6258 or visit the Malaspina University-College website at www.viu.ca/festival.