The Moose Jaw Health Foundation has unveiled the theme for the 35th annual Festival of Trees, promising an evening inspired by one of Canada's most breathtaking natural wonders.

This year's theme, "Midnight North: An Elegant Evening Beneath the Northern Lights," was announced on Thursday and will set the stage for the annual fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at the Temple Gardens Centre.

Moose Jaw Health Foundation executive director Kelly McElree said the milestone event will celebrate 35 years of Festival of Trees while continuing its mission of supporting local health care.

"This year's festival will transport guests into a breathtaking evening inspired by Canada's Northern Lights and the spirit of community that really has defined festival trees for more than three decades," said McElree.

McElree said guests can expect immersive northern-inspired décor, a Canadian-inspired buffet featuring beef donated by JGL, live and silent auctions, and entertainment from the Royal Canadian Air Force Band Jetstream.

The evening will also be emceed by Dr. Caitlyn Howe and Dr. Cailyn Kitts, with proceeds supporting the purchase of new state-of-the-art hospital beds.

"All the money that we raise at Festival of Trees is going to purchase new hospital beds to help those people on their healing journey and through some very, very difficult times."

Theme inspired by awe and generosity

McElree said planning for each Festival of Trees begins almost immediately after the previous year's event, with organizers looking for a theme that captures the spirit of the fundraiser.

He said the Northern Lights were a natural fit.

"The one thing about Festival of Trees is that it's inspiring and it leaves people in awe."

McElree said the beauty of the Northern Lights reflects the same emotions organizers hope guests experience during the gala.

"People look up at the Northern Lights, and they see something truly amazing and inspiring. That's what Festival of Trees does. It inspires generosity in people and inspires that sense of giving and wanting to help."

He credited Festival of Trees chair Kim Waldo and the organizing committee for developing this year's concept.

For 34 years, Festival of Trees has raised nearly $5,750,000 for state-of-the-art medical equipment that has saved the lives of thousands of people in Moose Jaw and 
surrounding communities at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.

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Buffalo Pound announcement matched the vision

This year's theme announcement was held at the Glamping Resort at Buffalo Pound, a location McElree said complemented the event's northern inspiration.

"The beautiful view really encapsulates that prairie spirit and the inspiration to create something awe-inspiring."

He said overlooking Buffalo Pound allowed organizers to capture the sense of wonder and openness that the Festival of Trees theme is designed to evoke.

"That's what we're shooting for with Midnight North — an elegant evening beneath the Northern Lights."

Tickets go on sale next month

Tickets for the 35th annual Festival of Trees will go on sale in mid-August, although groups interested in reserving a table can contact the Moose Jaw Health Foundation before then.

McElree also confirmed the popular Sunday brunch will return, with additional details expected to be announced in about a month.

He closed by thanking the community for supporting the fundraiser over the past three decades.

"Festival of Trees has raised millions of dollars and helps so many people in our community."

McElree added the event continues to showcase the generosity of Moose Jaw residents.

"When you come to the Festival of Trees, it is without a doubt one of the most positive, wonderful experiences and really, truly encapsulates the best of Moose Jaw."

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