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  • Brown dried trees and vegetation line one side of the Elk River bank and tall conifer pines trees are clustered on the other side with the backdrop of the snow capped Rocky Mountains far in the distance. The Elk River in Fernie, BC on a winter day with brown and dried vegetation, barren trees and sturdy pine trees at the river's banks and snowy Rocky Mountains in the distance.

Image by jill 111
 
Some people jump right back into the holiday spirit year after year. Others need a little boost to get in a festive mood. If you’re one of the latter you’re in luck. The Elk Valley Festival of Trees is happening in Fernie from November 16 to December 2 and it’s sure to be the holiday jumpstart you need to get those jolly feelings rolling.

What’s better to get you in a celebratory mood than a display of breathtakingly decorated trees? The event is put on by the Elk Valley Festival of Trees Society and it has become a much anticipated happening. Each year, 10 trees are spectacularly decked out for the season. They go on display at the Park Place Lodge. Those who come to check out the trees also have a chance to vote for their favourite.

Businesses from the local area sponsor the trees and choose charities for them. When participants purchase ballots to vote the money raised goes to the corresponding charity. Entries get voters into a draw to win cash and gifts too. Even better, the trees get used beyond this event as they set the scene for many local events throughout the holiday season.

Kick off for the Festival of Trees is on November 16 with the lighting of the trees (7 pm to 8:30 pm) and Spirits of Christmas Kick-Off Party (9 pm to 1 am). On November 21 there’s a Senior’s Tea from 12 pm to 1:30 pm. The Black Friday Holiday Fair happens on November 23 from 5 pm to 9 pm and November 24 from 10 am to 4 pm. December 1 is Date Night and Kids Movie Night from 5:30 pm to 9 pm. December 2 is the event Finale and Pictures with Santa from 11 am to 6 pm.

If you’re coming to town for this event or any other and need accommodations in Fernie, look no further than the Fernie Stanford Resort. We offer comfortable rooms, a wide array of amenities and an incredibly relaxing backdrop.