Bonnyville’s holiday weekend is back with the return of the Festival of Lights, the Santa Claus Parade, and the Festival of Trees, along with the launch of the third annual Light Up Bonnyville decorating contest.
Festival of Lights kicks things off at Pontiac Park on November 28. From 5 to 7 p.m., residents can enjoy hot chocolate and Christmas carols as the third annual lights are turned on for the first time. Families are encouraged to bring toboggans and enjoy the sparkle, weather permitting.
“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,” said Town Events Coordinator Doreen Kushnir. “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 also opens on November 28th. The town is inviting residents to decorate their homes and be featured on the community map with a deadline of Friday, December 12. Judging will happen on December 16 and winners will be announced Thursday, December 18. Forms can be found at Town Hall or on the Town’s website on November 28th.
The holiday fun will continue with the Festival of Trees at the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre, running Saturday, November 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can buy tickets $10 each or three for $20 for a chance to win trees decorated with prizes valued at over $1,000. Items include an Nintendo Switch 2, Milwaukee tools, WestJet gift vouchers and more. A silent auction, $5 ticket draws and a 50/50 draw will also run throughout the weekend.
The money raised through this years Festival of Trees will be split between the nine youth organizations who will be participating during the event by doing activities for attendees to participate in.
“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 will Santa and Mrs. Claus will take place both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Sensory Sessions can be booked through Melissa Rae Photography and Media at 780-573-8515.
The annual Santa Claus Parade on Saturday November 29th at 5 p.m. Santa will make his way down Main Street, starting at Player’s Lounge and ending at the Centennial Centre. Parade registration forms are available at the town hall or online.
