BONNYVILLE – The last weekend of November is going to be jam-packed with holiday events and activities planned by the Town of Bonnyville and Chamber of Commerce.
Once again, this year’s Festival of Trees will be taking place at the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre from Nov. 26 to 27.
The annual event will include a silent auction, photos with Santa, prize raffles, Santa’s Secret Shop, and of course, trees available to be won by raffle.
Santa’s Secret Shop is a station setup for kids to shop for their parents and the adults in their lives. While items are sold for a cost, they are reasonably priced.
Online 50/50 raffle tickets are already available for purchase at Rafflebox.ca under Festival of Trees 50/50. The online Festival of Trees 50/50 raffle will close on Nov. 27 at 4 p.m.
Proceeds from the Festival of Trees will go to the Bonnyville Health Foundation.
“The money raised will be going towards the Foundation’s Palliative Care Fund,” said Doreen Kushnir, the Festival of Trees coordinator. “The fund allows the local hospital to provide an improved quality of life for someone with a life-threatening condition or serious illness.”
Other events that will be held in conjunction with the Festival of Trees include the Festival of Wines on the evening of Nov. 26, as well as two new Christmas themed workshops being offered on Saturday and Sunday.
The Festival of Wines, which always draws a crowd, will look a little bit different than previous years.
From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Saturday evening, Festival of Wines attendees can enjoy their wine, learn about the beverages from local vendors, while continuing to shop at booths that will remain open from the Chamber’s Craft Show and Expo.
Helping to set the holiday mood are workshops being offered by local entrepreneurs.
Providence Acres Flower Farm will conduct a Wreath Workshop on Nov. 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., while Buds N Bloom Florist will be hosting a Grinch Tree Workshop on Nov. 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets for the Festival of Wines, Wreath Workshop, and Grinch Tree Workshop can be purchased at the Town Office at 4719 49 Ave.
Chamber Christmas Craft Show and Expo
The Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce is returning to hosting its second annual Chamber Christmas Craft Show and Expo to align with the Town of Bonnyville’s Festival of Trees.
After seeing a positive response to last year’s inaugural Christmas Craft Show and Expo, the event is returning with an even bigger emphasis on shopping locally.
The expo is promoting giving back to the community and building vital community partnerships by featuring businesses on the new Chamber market e-commerce site.
“The Chamber has partnered with us for Festival of Trees for years and we’re grateful for their help,” said Kushnir.
“Shopping local and supporting Bonnyville businesses is important to Town council. The Chamber’s Craft Show and Expo is an amazing opportunity to check some people off your Christmas list.”
Santa Claus Parade
The weekend schedule bursting with holiday spirit caught the attention of one Mr. Kris Kringle.
As a result, Saint Nick has confirmed that he will make a stop in Bonnyville on Nov. 26 to take part in the Santa Claus Parade. The Bonnyville parade will make its way down main street at 5 p.m.
Float registration forms can be found at the Town Office or website. Forms to take part in the parade are due by Nov. 18.
For more information on any of the Town’s upcoming events people can reach Doreen Kushnir at 780-826-3496.
