Festival of Trees and Crafts This Weekend

Thousands of people are expected to enjoy the seasonal celebrations this weekend at the 23rd annual Christmas Festival of Trees and Crafts in Middle Musquodoboit.

"The province organizes this festival each year to promote the balsam fir Christmas tree and its importance to Nova Scotia's economy and to highlight Nova Scotian and maritime craft items," said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources. "I encourage everyone to visit the Festival of Trees and Crafts."

The festival runs Friday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. to Sunday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. at the Natural Resources Education Centre and the Musquodoboit Valley Education Centre complex on Highway 224, Middle Musquodoboit.

Nearly 30 Nova Scotian balsam fir trees, donated by the province and the Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers Association, are decorated by community groups and businesses.

The opening ceremony, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, will feature greetings by special guests, the tree-lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m., and entertainment by youth choirs and community groups.

More than 80 crafters will display their wares. Apple cider and gingerbread will be served at St. Nick's Café. Crafts will be on display Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2.

The opening ceremony will include an LED holiday light exchange. Participants can save energy and money, and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, by exchanging two sets of incandescent holiday lights for one set of energy-efficient LED lights. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For detailed directions go to www.gov.ns.ca/natr/education/NREC/how-to-get-here.asp.