Festival of Trees Kicks off at Medford Armory

Dozens of decorated trees are now on display at the Medford Armory for Providence Medford Medical Center's 17th annual Festival of Trees.

This year the Festival of Trees will help raise money for the medical center's charity services. Providence says the funds will help meet the needs of the hospital's low income patients that includes medication, medical supplies, transportation and food vouchers.

About 70 trees are on display this year for the festival.

Decorators put the last minute touches on their trees as judges made their way around the room with clipboards.

"Times are hard right now whatever we can do to help we do, not just only but other people this charity fundraising is benefitted by a lot of people," said Juanita Ford, a tree designer from Grants Pass.

Ford and her family and friends have been bringing decorated trees to the event for six years. She brought three trees this year including a fairy-themed tree.

She says her team works all year to prepare for this event.

Last year the festival raised more than $460,000 for Providence. It went toward the purchase of it's Da Vinci robotic surgical system.

Public viewing of the trees begins this Friday at 10 a.m. and continues through Sunday. Santa will also be there each day to take pictures with kids.