ASSINIBOIA — A testament to the ongoing commitment and dedication of organizers, the attraction factor of Assiniboia’s annual festival of trees, and the community wanting to support its cause, will be extra magical this year as the event marks its 25th anniversary in 2024.
The 1999 committee, which included Carl Pilkey, George Malesh, Walter Chipak, Paul Topola, Diane Topola, Linda Hall, Jo Ann Giradin and Clara Ellert, spearheaded the inaugural year of hosting this gala fundraising event in Assiniboia.
The groundwork these folks laid has been built upon for two and a half decades, continuing to serve as a successful fundraiser for South Country Health Care Foundation, with the addition of Prince of Wales Cultural Centre.
Current committee member, Renee Clermont, acknowledges, “Festival of Trees grew very quickly from the start and has maintained the spirit and support of the community from the very beginning to the current 25th year. The interest of businesses, organizations and individuals has been a constant support every year. Even when some businesses retire, new ones unfold and have attended and joined in the festival event each year and for many it has been repeatedly over the years.”
Clermont affirms that there have only been two or three times that event was not completely sold out and in a short period. Their committee says the support from the community has been unwavering.
The 2024 committee has plenty of chemis-tree and they are tasked with not only the initial goals and maintaining the gala format of the event, they are adding a silver anniversary celebration to the evening. Joanna Croissant, Lois Marit, Candace Mowbray, Erin Eberle, Brandy Ermel, Tess Ariss, Renee Clermont, Geraldine Ruzicka, Sandy Ellert and Krista Borgerson have been working together for some time in preparations for this special anniversary event.
Christmas always carries its own special magic, but adding a silver anniversary celebration sprinkles additional festive flavour into the milestone anniversary event. The theme for the 25th anniversary is “Moonlight and Mistletoe,” and organizers say guests can expect to see rich blues and sparkling silver. The committee also drops a hint that this year will include a few surprises.
In the spirit and joy of Christmas giving, FOT organizers say approximately $1,020,000 has been raised to date. While event organizers are key to this success, they are quick to defer the accolades to the community for their support over the years.
“Highlights of the event include both a silent and live auction as well as a prize parade, a first-choice raffle and the always popular 50/50 tickets,” Clermont says.\
“It brings our community together for a night of celebration featuring an amazing meal and fabulous live entertainment all while initiating the start of the holiday season.”
This industrious committee are sure to make a list and check it twice. With event preparation and planning beginning almost as soon as the previous event ends, organizers say the festival of trees involves co-ordinating all the pieces to pull the event together. Things like securing a band, arranging a caterer, conceptualizing a theme, ordering supplies and soliciting donations combined with marketing of the event go hand in hand. Managing décor, scheduling and addressing last-minute specifics are all aimed at creating an experience that is memorable, successful and makes the community proud.
"The committee, past and present, accomplishes this feat annually, demonstrating their dedication to this event year after year,” said Clermont.
The 25th anniversary celebration takes place Dec. 7 at the Prince of Wales Cultural and Recreation Centre, starting with a cocktail hour, followed by a catered meal. The auction and other activities are held throughout the night and this year’s live entertainment features The Otherz Band.
Tickets go on sales Nov. 6 at noon and are only available online through the SaskTix website. Assiniboia’s Festival of Trees has traditionally sold out, and often sell out comes early, so those wanting to be part of this special celebration should act soon to ensure they will be part of the gala evening. In 2023, the event sold out within two weeks of the start of ticket sales.
“Everyone who has been on this committee has a strong desire to give back to our community. We seek to keep small town alive and well with an event that brings everyone together,” affirms the 2024 organizing committee of FOT.
Clermont is proud to acknowledge that interest in FOT has not waivered over the last 25 years, evidenced by continued sellouts.
“Even through COVID, we had individuals and businesses in the community advised that they would be interested in and support an online auction (considering that there were no public events allowed at the time). Because of their interest, we went ahead with an online event that was very successful. That is a true testament to the support within our community and surrounding areas. They are the best,” exclaims Clermont.
“Currently the Festival of Trees Committee is seeking the support of businesses, organizations and individuals in the community to donate items for this year’s event. Committee members have been out and about in the community to connect with interested businesses. You can contact any committee member or send a direct message to the Assiniboia Festival of Trees Facebook page if you are interested in donating,” said the event’s committee members.
