One tree among the 73 at the Festival of Trees at the Fairmont Empress has a distinct Oak Bay Village look. It’s the first time the Oak Bay Business Improvement Association has decorated a tree for the fundraising event for B.C. Children’s Hospital. The tree is a visual summary of the variety of shops and services in the village.
“Oak Bay Village businesses really got behind the project and we have ornaments representing everything from finance and banking to gardening, travel, chocolate and shoes,” said Elizabeth Smith, president of the BIA.
Businesses came together to support the initiative, contributing and creating ornaments that represent things to be discovered in Oak Bay.
“We were also able to showcase the things that make Oak Bay Village special,” Smith said. “We celebrate the dogs who visit the village and the oak trees that grace our streets. We also celebrate our wonderful police and fire departments.”
The Festival of Trees is free and open to the public until 11 p.m. and runs into early January. Voting for a favourite tree is a $2 donation and can be made at the Festival of Trees or online at bcchf.ca/fotvictoria.
cvanreeuwyk@oak baynews.com