Christmas tree program to light up Village Park Things are about to get a little bit brighter in Whistler on Dec. 21, the longest night of the year, as thousands of little light bulbs on up to 50 Christmas trees illuminate Village Park. It's the first annual Christmas Tree Treasures event, where members of the business community will be given a chance to show off their holiday spirit while supporting a good cause. For $150, local businesses can get a tree, a tree stand, a sign to identify themselves, and a light socket from the Parks and Recreation Department. They are then free to decorate the tree any way they choose, keeping the theme of their organization in mind. This year, proceeds from the event will go to the Boy Scouts of Whistler. Although less than 25 businesses have signed on since July, Christine Kenny, a recreation programmer for the municipality, expects the remaining trees to go quickly as people get into the Christmas spirit. "They have a similar event in Vancouver every year that's very successful," says Kenny. "I've always thought that it would be awesome in Whistler. It's a great opportunity to let tourists see that we have a real community here, that we're not just a tourist town." The trees will be on display from Dec. 20 to Jan. 2. Between 7 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 the Whistler Children's Chorus will be on hand to sing Christmas carols. To decorate a tree this holiday season, contact event organizer Sandi Wentzel at 938-3133, extension 351.
