Most of the trees that are to be sold  the Festival of Trees are pictured in today’s Havre Daily News. Two are adjacent to this article. the others are on Hi-Line Living, Page B1.

    Final planning for the Festival of Trees, the biggest fundraiser each year for the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line, is well under way.

    Boys & Girls Club staffers were at the Holiday Village Mall Wednesday,  setting things up for the big event, said Rachel Dean, the club’s endowment director.

    Thirteen trees will be up for auction at next Friday night’s event.

    The trees were decorated with themes by businesses and community groups from throughout the area.

    “This is a special Festival of Trees for us,” said Dean. This is the fifth Festival of Trees and the Boys & Girls Club’s 10th anniversary.

    There will be some things different about this year’s festival, she said.

    The free open house will be 4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, earlier than usual.

    The doors of the former Bi-Mart location will be opened so individuals and families can take a look at the trees, she said. The earlier time should allow young children to make the tour without     missing bedtime, she said. This time of the year, it should still be dark out,  so the lights should have a tremendous visual impact.

    Profits from the festival are used to fund the many projects the club offers area young people.

    Ten years ago, organizers weren't certain there would be enough children to sustain the program, but now the club is overflowing with young people.

    Federal and state grants fund many of the programs, but the club is aiming to increase its endowment so the club can finance itself.

    Dean said some special announcements on the club’s plans for the coming year will be announced at the festival.

    Tickets for the event are available at the club by calling 265-6206. or emailing Dean at racheld@BGChi-line.com.