The Family Place is letting fund-raising get festive on Tuesday, Nov. 27, when they will auction off a total of 13 decorated Christmas trees as part of the Second Annual Festival of Trees.

All 13 trees were set up for display at the Weyburn Credit Union on Tuesday, said Family Place program manager Donnita Maas. The trees, along with their decorations, are all donated by various businesses and organizations within the community.

Along with the tree display, there are also 22 Christmas wreaths and silent auction items, such as gift baskets and other Christmas items, said Maas.

The auction of the trees, wreaths and other items will take place at the Wealth Management Centre of the Credit Union, said Maas. The event is open to anyone who wishes to attend.

The doors will open at 7 p.m., and the auction, which will be conducted again this year by auctioneer Kevin Lackey, will start at 7:30 p.m.

Anyone is welcome to bid on the trees. The First Annual Festival of Trees surpassed expectations by more than double and raised just over $12,000, but this year's event is expected to bring in only $8,000 to $10,000.

"We've had a few people think the first year is the best year for it," said Maas.

The public is welcome to come and view the trees Monday to Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

However, there will also be two special extended viewing times. The first will be from 5-9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 22, and the second will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24.

The People's Favourite contest, where people vote for their favourite tree, will again be held at this year's festival, said Maas.

The Festival of Trees marks the last fund-raiser of 2001 for the Family Place. However, Maas hinted there may be another fund-raiser held before their financial year ends in March.