The Moose Jaw Health Foundation’s 33rd annual Festival of Trees will become Saskatchewan's largest speakeasy, thanks to a partnership with the Tunnels of Moose Jaw. 

It was announced on Thursday that the festival will be taking place on Oct. 19 at the Moose Jaw Events Centre with the theme prohibition-era theme “Sugar and Spice and Notoriously Nice.” 

“The roaring 20s were an unforgettable era in Moose Jaw’s history, and we are bringing that vibrant spirit to life with the help of our friends from the Tunnels of Moose Jaw. Get ready to don your flapper dresses and snazziest suits as we transform our festival into Saskatchewan’s biggest speakeasy,” said Festival of Trees Chair Kim Waldo. 

The event will include the annual auction, a gourmet Italian-style buffet and live music by Mascara. 

MCing this year’s event will be Dr. Nishaan Cheddie and Dr. Chun Huang. 

All of the funds raised from the Festival of Trees will go towards purchasing state-of-the-art surgical equipment for the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital including a bronchoscopy to aid lung and COPD patients. 

“At the heart of the Festival of Trees is a bold vision revolutionizing surgical services in our community. Last year alone, our team performed 4,600 surgeries, a staggering 41 per cent increase from the previous two years,” Cheddie said. 

Over the past 32 years, the Festival of Trees has raised nearly $5.3 million for medical equipment that has saved thousands of lives at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital. 

“Over 32 years, tens of thousands of people have been saved and helped by our healthcare professionals in Moose Jaw. There’s simply nothing like the festival anywhere and hat is because of this community,” said Moose Jaw Health Foundation Chair Ryan Hrechka. 

Ticket prices will remain at $125 per person plus taxes and ticket fees. Tickets will go on sale in mid-August on SaskTix. 

To donate or learn more about the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, you can visit their website at www.mjhf.org.