News release

Christmas Festival of Trees and Crafts

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Nova Scotians can get in the holiday spirit this weekend at the 21st annual Christmas Festival of Trees and Crafts in Middle Musquodoboit.

"This time of year is about spending time with family and friends," said Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell. "The Christmas Festival of Trees and Crafts is an affordable way to bring people together to enjoy the season's festivities."

Over 30 schools, community groups and businesses will celebrate the natural balsam fir Christmas tree and its importance to Nova Scotia. The festival takes place at the Natural Resources Education Centre, 12014 Highway 224, Middle Musquodoboit, and the Musquodoboit Valley Education Centre, 12046 Highway 224, from Friday Dec. 3, to Sunday, Dec. 5. Donations of non-perishable goods to the Musquodoboit Valley foodbank will be accepted.

More than 30 balsam fir trees, provided by the Natural Resources Education Centre woodlot, and the Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers Association, decorated by community groups and businesses, will be on display.

New this year is the Gingerbread House Competition with entries displayed among the Balsam fir.

The opening ceremony takes place Friday, Dec. 3, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Natural Resources Education Centre. There will be a tree-lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. and festive entertainment by youth choirs and community groups.

On Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Musquodoboit Valley Education Centre, a $2 admission provides access to the Festival of Crafts with more than 60 Maritime crafters, presenting a large variety of high quality items. Visitors will also be able to enjoy lunch and refreshments.

In collaboration with Nova Scotia Power, the LED Holiday Light Exchange will take place at the opening ceremony. People can bring two sets of traditional glass bulbs to be recycled and receive one string of LED (light emitting diode)holiday lights in return.

For more information on this event, visit www.gov.ns.ca/natr/education/nrec/Xmas-10.asp .

For detailed directions to the Natural Resources Education Centre, go to http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/Education/NREC/how-to-get-here.asp .