Santa's elves wear red and purple, at least in Maidstone.
The Royal Eccentric Dynamic Hatters, Maidstone's chapter of the Red Hat Society, welcome everyone to their festival of trees being held this week at the Maidstone Health Complex.
Through their festival of trees the group has raised over $17,000 over the past two years for the purchase of comfort and care items for residents of Pine Island Lodge and patients of the Maidstone Hospital.
The atrium hall at the Maidstone Health Complex is a glittering display of trees, wreathes, decorations and Christmas gift items donated by area groups, businesses and individuals.
The display is open this week, Nov. 22 to 27, with daily weekday hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday evening the hours will be extended to 8 p.m. with entertainment provided. Live music will begin with Frances Wright at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Community Choir at 7:00 p.m. and Desirae and Lauren Blanchette at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday the hours will be 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Sleigh rides will start at 12:30 p.m., Julie Maxwell will play beginning at 1:30 p.m. followed by the Battleford Blends at 2 p.m., Scott Owens at 2:30 p.m., the Catholic Choir at 3 p.m. and Twink-elle the Clown at 3:30 p.m.
During the evening, music will be provided by the Yellowhead Ramblers.
Most of the items on display are for sale by silent auction with bids being received throughout the festival. The Pine Island Lodge Activities Department will also be holding a bake sale Saturday starting at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season while continuing to support the comfort and care of those using the Maidstone Health Complex.