Festival of trees returns with a twist in Falher on Nov. 24-25

Richard Froese
Smoky River Express

Festival of trees returns for the 12th year Nov. 24 and 25 in Falher – with a twist. “The Nutcracker Suite” is the theme for this year’s event at the Chevaliers Community Centre hosted by Falher and Area Community Association for Professional Services which owns and operates Falher Medical Clinic. “While the Festival of trees will still have a few lovely Christmas trees and festive decorations for auction, the TWIST this year is that there will be other wonderful items for live auction, including a log cabin, front-load washer and dryer, and an oak-finish poker table , along with some Christmas trees,” says Barbara Gardecki, who chairs CAPS. “With the TWIST, the goal of the Festival of Trees is to surpass all previous fundraising efforts and eliminate the $160,000 mortgage on the clinic so that activities like initiating a scholarship program for medical students can be developed.” “Falher Medical Clinic is a community service that is being provided and operated by a volunteer board of members working hard to ensure the community has this essential service,” says Gardecki. About $18,000 was raised last year. Organizers say the festival of trees is a perfect fit for any businesses intending to host a Christmas party recognizing the hard work of employees throughout the year. “It’s a great way for business owners because it eliminates virtually all of the legwork of coordinating a Christmas party, plus it helps us out at the same time,” Gardecki adds. Doors open for the festival Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. with cocktails and a hot buffet supper coinciding with the opening of a silent auction. The live auction portion of the evening gets underway at 8 p.m. with Dave Neale of Alberta North Auctions auctioning off the wide assortment of donated items, and uniquely decorated Christmas trees as well as wreathes and other holiday accents. All items purchased in the live auction are sold within the community and decorated in advance of the event prior to being donated back to the festival where they are eventually sold to the highest bidder on Saturday evening. Saturday’s lineup also includes a dance from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with entertainment provided by popular local band “Highway 49”. Everyone is invited back to the Chevaliers Centre the following morning for a Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adults are $8, with seniors and children under-12 are $5. Sunday will also be the final opportunity for the community to enter their bids for silent auction items donated by the community. Fees Fees for sponsoring trees have been restructured. Platinum – $300 (five tickets). Gold – $225 (four tickets). Silver – $150 (two tickets). Wreaths (30-inch) – $45 (one ticket). Wreaths (24-inch) – $35 (one ticket). Centerpiece – $20 (one ticket). Sunday will also be the final opportunity for the community to enter their bids for silent auction items donated by the community. Advance tickets are currently available and can be purchased at several local businesses, including A & M Confectionary, Falher Co-op and McLennan/Falher IDA Pharmacy. Tickets are also available by contacting any board member of CAPS. For more information about making a donation or to volunteer for set up, clean-up or bartending duties, contact Gardecki at 323-4486 (after 6 p.m.) or Michelle Morin at 837-2420.