Decorating |
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Decorated trees, wreaths and centrepieces are the crown jewel of the Festival. These fabulous displays are priced and sold to the public. We have a wonderful team of volunteers who design each display - individually, as a group or as a company. If you have a creative flair, this is the perfect fit for you.
Your involvement helps bring the magic of the holiday season to the Saskatoon community. Because of the support of sponsors, designers, volunteers and visitors over $1.78 million has been donated to Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation since 2006.
Contact us if you have any questions. We're here to support you and to help make your experience as fabulous as your design!
Your involvement helps bring the magic of the holiday season to the Saskatoon community. Because of the support of sponsors, designers, volunteers and visitors over $1.78 million has been donated to Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation since 2006.
Contact us if you have any questions. We're here to support you and to help make your experience as fabulous as your design!
How It Works |
Tree Options |
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We provide the following to all registered designers:
Onsite DecoratingWe'd prefer all displays to be dropped off fully decorated to give us the maximum amount of time to photograph, add signage and put the finishing touches on the Festival. If you choose to decorate onsite, we'd be happy to accommodate! Give us a heads up by email so we can have the perfect spot available for you.
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Designers choose from 2ft, 3ft, 4ft, 5ft or 6ft trees. Limited numbers are available in each size. Allotment is on a first-come-first-served basis along with a completed designer registration form.
Note 2ft and 3ft trees come with a burlap base, while trees 4ft and taller have a metal x-type base. We attach the x-type bases to plywood, making them even sturdier and providing extra stability to hold heavy decorations.
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Requirements |
2023 Important Dates |
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Designers are required to provide:
Volunteers will be available to help you unload your display and take you to your designated spot. If you’re unable to drop off your display on November 23, we’re willing to work with you to make alternate arrangements. We reserve the right to refuse any tree or display that does not meet the requirements or our quality standards. All displays should be appropriate for viewing by the general public. If you have any questions about an item you're considering using in your display, contact us to check in. |
October 3 | 7:00 pm: Tree pick up at the Western Development Museum
October 15: Registration deadline November 23 | 8:00 am to 7:00 pm: Drop off fully decorated displays or design onsite at the Western Development Museum November 24 - December 2: Festival of Trees + People's Choice voting for favourite displays December 1: Tax receipt form & receipts deadline December 8: People's Choice category winners announced |
Tips & Tricks
The best and most popular displays are loaded with decorations and make a real statement. Great displays tell a story or express a feeling. These displays end up in people's homes or businesses, so keep that in mind as you develop your design. Here's a few things we've learned:
Here's a few things we don't allow:
- Use about 100 lights per square foot of tree (i.e. 4ft tree equals 400 lights)
- Don't connect more than 300 lights on one circuit (run an extension cord for additional lights)
- Wire all decorations and lights to the tree or display using floral wire (this is a must to ensure everything stays put during transport)
- Tree skirts should be purchased or made (i.e. not cotton batting) as they will be proudly displayed by the purchaser year after year
- Handmade decorations are welcome but need to be high quality in appearance
- Include items under your tree or as part of your display to create a stunning visual which tempts buyers to purchase (unwrapped gifts or decorations that compliment your theme)
- Large or fragile tree toppers should be removable (so it can be packaged for the purchaser)
- Give yourself plenty of time to decorate your display as it will take longer than you might expect
- Shop after the holiday season for the best deals on decorations
- Purchase decorations, lights, etc. for your display on a separate receipt from other personal purchases if you plan on submitting a tax receipt form (it makes filling out the form a breeze)
Here's a few things we don't allow:
- Used decorations or items
- Company swag as decorations (you're welcome to include items like these in a gift bag at the foot of your display but it should not be the focus)
- Mannequin trees or body style trees (they just don't sell!)
- Large furniture (example full size fireplaces - most purchasers have limited space in their homes & businesses)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a designer, contributor and a sponsor?
My company gave me $1,000 (or any amount) to decorate a tree. Does that mean they are that tree's sponsor?
Why is the price of the tree lower than what we spent to decorate it?
Who decides on the prices to sell trees and displays?
What happens if my tree doesn't sell?
Can I find out who bought my tree or display?
What are the People's Choice Awards?
- A designer is the person who created the overall tree or display design and actually decorated the display
- Contributors are the names of companies or individuals who have contributed to the decorations and items on and under the tree or display. They can either provide funds for the designer to purchase items, or they can provide the actual items being used. The transaction takes place between the designer and the contributor. Contributors may be included on tax receipt forms.
- A sponsor is a company or individual that provides a financial contribution directly to the Festival as part of our fundraising. Sponsor names or logos may appear supporting specific areas of the Festival such as tree displays, wreaths & centrepieces, gingerbread lane, volunteers, etc. This transaction takes place between the sponsor and the Festival.
- Display signage recognizes the display name, designer name and contributor names. Signage may also include a sponsor's name or logo (as determined by the Festival).
My company gave me $1,000 (or any amount) to decorate a tree. Does that mean they are that tree's sponsor?
- No. This means they are the contributors and will be listed as such on the signage
- To be a tree sponsor, a financial contribution must be provided directly to the Festival for fundraising
Why is the price of the tree lower than what we spent to decorate it?
- Display prices are based on years of history and knowing what the public will pay to purchase decorated trees and wreaths
- Guests expect to get a good deal on a decorated display - and thanks to the generosity from designers, guests can get a tree that may retail for $2,000 for only half that cost
- Remember, funds support our local community and every dollar is an important contribution
- We wish we could sell displays for $2,000 and more but experience has taught us that high prices just don't work
Who decides on the prices to sell trees and displays?
- Experienced Festival committee members work together to decide how to price displays for sale
- If you have information about your display that may help us price it, please provide it to the Committee Chairs on the day of drop off
What happens if my tree doesn't sell?
- This doesn't happen often, but if it does we will donate unsold trees or displays to other charities or health centres
Can I find out who bought my tree or display?
- Due to privacy issues we don't release the names of those who make purchases
What are the People's Choice Awards?
- Visitors are invited to vote online on our website for their favourite displays in categories such as trees, wreaths, centrepieces or gingerbread houses
- QR codes are posted on each display
- Votes can be cast once a day per person
- Winners of the People's Choice awards are announced on our website and social media