Jam Packed Weekend Planned for Festival of Trees

The beloved festival event of the season is back and there’s something for everyone.

Registration for the third annual Light Up Bonnyville decorating contest begins Friday, November 28, alongside the Festival of Lights at Pontiac Park. On Saturday, November 29, Old St. Nick will make his way down Main Street for the Town’s annual Santa Claus Parade, followed by a weekend full of holiday fun as the Festival of Trees takes over the Bonnyville & District Centennial Centre on November 29–30.

The Festival of Lights will have hot chocolate served from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Christmas carols will be played to celebrate the first night the lights will be on for the season. Attendees are encouraged to bring their toboggans to enjoy an evening of sparkly lights, weather permitting.

Doreen Kushnir, Events Coordinator for the Town of Bonnyville, said she hopes to see the community join this event for a fun winter evening.

“We’ve been lighting up the Jessie Lake Walking Trail over the past couple of years, and we thought it was a great way to begin the Festival of Trees weekend,” Kushnir continued. “We’ve heard such great feedback from residents about the lights and we wanted to celebrate the first night they would be on this year.”

Registration for Light Up Bonnyville will open on Friday, November 28. Those who live in Town who decorate are invited to enter the Christmas decorating contest and be featured on the Light Up Bonnyville map. The deadline to register is Friday, December 12. Judging will take place on December 16 and winners will be announced Thursday, December 18. Forms can be found at Town Hall (4917-49 Ave.) or on the Town website.

The weekend continues with the showcased Festival of Trees at the Centennial Centre from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday November 29 and 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 30. Attendees can purchase tickets for $10 each or 3 for $20 to win trees valued at over $1,000 each. Some of the prizes up for grabs on the Trees include a Nintendo Switch 2, a set of Milwaukee tools, two gift card vouchers for Westjet, and more. Items generously donated by sponsors will also be up for grabs through $5 ticket draws and a silent auction. Attendees will also be able to participate in a 50/50 draw.

All the money raised through Festival of Trees this year will be split up between the nine youth organizations who will be participating during the event by offering activities for attendees to participate in. Kushnir explained it was important for the Town to assist groups with their fundraising efforts.

“We did a call out earlier this year for groups to be a part of Festival of Trees and to raise funds for their program while helping us spread holiday cheer,” Kushnir said. “All of the money they raise through their activity will be theirs to keep and any money raised through the tickets, silent auction, and 50/50 will be split amongst them after all our bills are paid.”

Photos with Santa will be happening throughout Festival of Trees. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 29 and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 30. Sensory Sessions can be booked through Melissa Rae Photography and Media at 780-573-8515.

The weekend wouldn’t be complete without the Town’s annual Santa Claus Parade, which is happening on Saturday, November 29 at 5:00 p.m. Santa Will be jingling his way down main street, starting at Player’s Lounge (5426 50 Ave.) and ending at the Centennial Centre.

Registration forms for the Santa Claus Parade can be found at Town Hall (4917-49 Ave.) or here. Light Up Bonnyville forms will be available Friday, November 28 at Town Hall and on the Town website.