Festival of Trees

Spokane, Wash., radio personalities Big Cat Daddy and Bob Castle will emcee this year’s Gala Live Auction during the 2009 Festival of Trees in Bonners Ferry.

“We were looking for something fresh,” said Abby Maas, events coordinator for the Fry Healthcare Foundation, which will host the festival from Thursday, Dec. 10, through Saturday, Dec. 12, at Boundary County Fairgrounds. The foundation is the fundraising arm for Boundary Community Hospital.

“It never hurts to bring in some celebrities,” Maas said. “They will do this all on their own and have done a free promotion for us. They had us on their show a week and a half ago.”

Jim Diamond, known as Big Cat Daddy, and Bob Castle are the morning voices for KDRK, 93.7 The Cat. The country station is the official radio group of Gonzaga University, Spokane Indians Baseball, Spokane Chiefs Hockey and Spokane Shock Football.

This year’s festival will feature 13 live and artificial Christmas trees in addition to wreathes, baskets, stockings and centerpieces. Sponsors donate the decorated trees and other items, which are sold during the Gala Live Auction.

The number of trees is down this year, Maas said.

“We’re a little low, but not that far from off the mark from last year,” she said.

The festival of trees opens Thursday, Dec. 10, with Community Night from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Anyone who donates a canned food items for the Boundary County Ministerial Association’s Christmas baskets gets in free. The evening will include refreshments and entertainment.

From 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 11, will be the Senior Social. It’s free to get in. Refreshments and entertainment will be available.

From 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday is Family Night. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children or $8 per family. The evening will include a visit from Santa, Santa’s Free Craft Workshop, entertainment and the Festival Gift and Treat Shop.

Doors for the Gala Live Auction open at 5 p.m. for viewing, a no-host bar and silent auction. A buffet dinner will be served at 6 and the live auction begins at 7. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door and are available at Sugar Plum Floral, Boardwalk Boutique, The Gift Gallery and Under the Sun.