Edmonton’s Festival of Trees wraps up with Santa’s breakfast

The 41st annual Festival of Trees event wrapped up on Sunday morning with a breakfast hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Edmonton’s 41st Festival of Trees wrapped up on Sunday morning with a breakfast in the company of old Saint Nick.

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The three-day festival aims to raise money for the health care system in Edmonton. Last year saw $2.6 million raised with funds going to the University of Alberta Hospital and prevention and primary care services.

“You just see the whole community coming out … They want to support the health system here in Edmonton,” said Sean Price, the chief analyst of revenue generation for the University Hospital Foundation. “It makes you feel really good because it goes back to caring for patients.”

Decorated trees filled the Edmonton Convention Centre where people could place bids on them.

The festival also held a gala on Thursday and a Silver Bell Soiree on Friday to raise money for the foundation.

About 850 people of all ages were lined up to meet the man in the big red suit and get a picture, said Price.

There were other festive activities for the whole family to enjoy as well as a breakfast buffet.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Gates Guarin