Planners for Ponoka’s second Festival of Trees say tickets are selling quickly.
Co-organizer Sherry Gummow said planners are preparing for a larger attendance compared to last year. “We learned from last year … we have doubled the space that we’re going to be occupying.”
Last year’s Breakfast with Santa sold out quickly and Gummow expects there to be almost 25 extra spots available for attendees this year.
Starting Thursday, Nov. 19 to Nov. 21, the event will also see changes to the seniors’ tea. Gummow said the layout was designed for a buffet style meal, but this year food will be served to attendees to give them more chance to socialize.
The fundraiser gala will see a return of special auctioneer Danny Hooper. “He’s funny and he’s a great auctioneer,” said Gummow.
An exciting addition to the live auction items includes an all-inclusive four day package to Laurie River Lodge valued at $20,000. “If you’re a fisherperson it’s the best place to go they tell me,” she added.
The package includes four tickets with flights out to Lynn Lake, Man. where the lucky winners will be able to fish to their heart’s content, said Gummow.
While most of the Christmas Trees are sponsored, there will be four up for sale at the live auction and some others at the silent auction. Generally plans are going well for them, say organizers of the Festival of Trees.
“We are pretty much spot on from the last year. We’re extremely happy considering the economy,” said Gummow.
The general setup of the three days will be slightly different to accommodate more people and Gummow said the group is once again raising money for the Ponoka and District Health Foundation. The goal this year is to raise money for a new labour and delivery bed.
Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased at Ponoka News, Busted Ladies Lingerie or the Calnash Ag Event Centre.