The annual Carol Festival, held December 4 at Canora Composite School, not only kicked off the beginning of the Winter Lights Festival but also celebrated a 60th anniversary.
The Canora Hospital Auxiliary celebrated 60 years of carols at its Carol Festival, which drew in a large crowd to enjoy the music and entertainment. Mayor Gina Rakochy was the host for the event and announced each of the 12 acts that performed.
The festival began with the singing of O Canada, which was followed by a greeting by Lorie Wasyliw, the Auxiliary president. Lorne Kopelchuk read about the history of the Auxiliary, explaining how the group began and provided funds as the hospital was built and how it continued operating. Door prizes were given out throughout the Festival.
The Canora Hospital Auxiliary members began the Festival with renditions of Come On Ring Those Bells and Silent Night, effectively getting everyone into the Christmas spirit. The members were directed by Doris Kopelchuk while Leanne Buchinski provided piano accompaniment.
The performers to beat, as always, were the children of the Canora Nursery School, who were directed by Alissa Wilson. The children performed Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and certainly got the crowd laughing with their interpretation of the line “laughing all the way.”
The next performers were staff and residents from the Gateway Lodge, who played a medley of Christmas songs. They excited the crowd when their special guest, Santa Claus, appeared to dance and distribute candy canes to the audience members.
Lorelei Stusek accompanied her daughters, Carmen and Ashley for their performance. She played guitar while the girls sang Away In a Manger and O Come All Ye Faithful.
Paster Brett Watson was supposed to perform on behalf of the Parkland Christian Centre, but because of illness, his act had to be cancelled.
Hannelle Sevilla was next to perform a rendition of Jingle Bells on the piano. Though she only had two months’ practice, Rakowsky said Sevilla could play “better than me.” Though nervous at first, her stage fright was unfounded when she performed the song to loud applause.
Effie Pretchuk performed a rendition of O Holy Night while accompanied by Buchinski, followed by members of the Seven Day Adventist Church, who performed Room in the Manger.
Irena Yannoulis wore a big grin as she performed a unique Christmas song called Blossom Snow, followed by Jingle Bell Rock. She was accompanied by Gillian Rice.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church Choir, directed by Adeline Zawislak and accompanied by Buchinski, performed Angels We Have Heard on High and Na Nebi Zirka.
Sabrina Moshenko showed off her impressive singing skills by performing Silver Bells and All I Want for Christmas is You. She was accompanied by Rice.
Troy McNaughton accompanied himself on guitar and gave a country twist to the song, What Child Is This.
Rice finally showed that she could not only play piano, but also sing when she performed River and Have Yourself a Merry Christmas.
Elizabeth Palchewich, who made the closing remarks, was pleased with the performances of the afternoon.
“All I can say is wow,” she said, adding that she would like to acknowledge the members of the Auxiliary as well as the performers who make the Carol Festival possible.
“Without you, we wouldn’t have a show.”
