The 30th Anniversary of the Festival of Trees brought the spirit of Christmas to Shell Place.

Over the weekend, the Northern Lights Health Foundation held the three-day festival – raising $650,000 – all of which will be put toward local health care.

The event featured over 175 sponsors, 300 volunteers and around 8,500 guests celebrating several different ways.

Included in the festivities was the Ladies Holiday Luncheon, Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, Festival of Trees Gala, Christmas Family Fun with Santa, Daddy Daughter Sugar Plum Fairy Ball and weekend-long Santa’s workshop, gift shops, Winter Wonderland tree viewing and local entertainment.

In a release, Chair of the Health Foundations Board of Directors Melanie Antoine says all the events held were absolutely stellar.

“The Health Foundation staff, volunteers, and sponsors outdid themselves to put on a huge range of events over the three days. Everyone was having fun and I heard astounding reviews from families and guests who attended. This is truly the event of the year and a fabulous kickoff to the Christmas.”

The gala included a site-ready truck and tree from Northstar Ford Lincoln which sold at auction for $47,000.

Other trees sold at prices of $18,000, $21,000 and $23,000.

Executive Director of the Health Foundation Cindy Amerongen says they are grateful to the many sponsors, donors, volunteers and guests who supported this year’s festivities.

“Most businesses in the region were involved in some capacity with gifts of service, gift cards on trees and in gift baskets and raffles. Even through these challenging economic times, the Festival brings out everyone’s desire to support healthcare.”

In the 30 years since the festival’s inception, the Health Foundation has received around $9 million in donations.

The Festival of Trees is the largest of three signature events hosted by the Health Foundation throughout the year.