MOOSE JAW — The Rotary Club of Moose Jaw will soon usher in the spirit of Christmas as it proudly presents the annual Moose Jaw Rotary Carol Festival’s 78th year at Zion United Church this December.
This year’s carol festival will take place over two days starting at 7 p.m. and running until around 9 p.m. on both Monday, Dec. 9 and Tuesday, Dec. 10.
“It’s always a great way to kick off the festive season,” announced Rod Montgomery, vice-president of the Rotary Club of Moose Jaw. “Sometimes, I think in my own mind that the Christmas season doesn’t begin until after the Rotary (Carol) Festival begins. And it’s such an enjoyable evening — whether you come to both or just choose one — it’s a lot of fun and something everybody can enjoy.”
The festival will include eight different groups performing on each night with Monday focused on adult and youth groups and Tuesday’s focus being on high school performances.
Among these groups will be a few local elementary schools, church adult choirs, and the noteworthy return of Cornerstone Christian School, Vanier Collegiate, and A.E. Peacock Collegiate’s choirs, as well as the Oxford Singers and Central Collegiate Choir from Central.
In previous years, the Rotary Carol Festival was held over three separate days compared to the two-day festival residents have attended since the pandemic.
“We did go three nights (prior to the pandemic), so we’re down a little bit, but we’re building that back up,” Montgomery said. “I’d like to see (the festival) certainly get a little more involvement.”
Montgomery hopes the festival will return to its usual three-day format and encourages elementary, high school, and other local groups to participate. Solo artists are also welcome to join and are invited to take advantage of the festival’s strong community attendance.
“It would be nice to get some different community groups involved, and just make it more of a full community thing to bring everybody in,” Montgomery said.
All proceeds from the festival will support both the Rotary Club of Moose Jaw and the Salvation Army of Moose Jaw as they endeavour to continue with their community support initiatives.
To explore the future impact of this festival and similar Rotary Club functions, proceeds have been used for local programs including student scholarships, youth leadership initiatives like the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and for the upkeep of Rotary Club-sponsored parks and pathways. Internationally, the Rotary Club is involved in several initiatives including its global effort to eradicate polio and an international student exchange program.
According to Montgomery, the Rotary Club’s commitment to youth, education, and international aid remains at the heart of these efforts.
“Also, we’re partnered with the Salvation Army this year, so that ongoing partnership… will support some of the initiatives of the Salvation Army as well,” he said. The Rotary Club has often worked hand-in-hand with the Salvation Army in the past, and Montgomery said the charitable organization is simply expanding its role with the choir this year.
“I think… (the festival) really just captures the spirit of this time of year and we really want to share it with people. It’s a great venue and it’s a lot of fun,” he concluded.
Both festival nights are completely free to attend, although donations are welcome and appreciated throughout the evening.
To learn more about the Rotary Club of Moose Jaw, visit ‘Rotary Club of Moose Jaw’ on Facebook or its website at Portal.ClubRunner.ca/1005.
Zion United Church is located at 423 Main Street North and can be accessed through the main entrance off Main Street.
