The 20th anniversary of the Festival of Trees held this past weekend was a success, officials have said.

Although it is still too early to know how much money was raised, Alaine Martin, project officer for the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, said all of the events held this past weekend went well.

“Attendance seemed really strong as well,” she said. “We had a little bit of a slow start on Friday morning due to road and weather conditions, but things really picked up on Friday afternoon and it was busy throughout the weekend.

“There were a number of events that were sold out. The Taste of Red Deer was jam-packed as usual and the additional activities in Candy Cane Lane such as the bouncy castles and the candy floss were a hit as well.”

Martin added she is hopeful officials will know how much money was raised at the event in the coming weeks.

Proceeds raised from the 2013 Festival of Trees will go towards upgrading equipment and technology for Diagnostic Imaging, Urology and the operating room.

Diagnostic Imaging and Urology will work in collaboration to purchase and install a new imaging unit in the operating room in Red Deer Regional Hospital. The urology imaging equipment will assist the urologist with visualization of the urinary tracts of males and females and the reproductive system of males. When not in use for imaging, the equipment will be used for prostate surgeries, stent insertions and/or any procedure that requires access to the bladder in a surgical environment.

As for celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Festival of Trees this year, Martin said it was an emotional time.

“Just to make it to 20 years is pretty great.”

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com