The Christmas season is fast approaching and Ponoka’s first annual Legacy Ford Festival of Trees is poised to light up the community.
Taking place at the Calnash Ag Event Centre, the festival runs from Nov. 13 to 15 and includes an opening night gala, breakfast with Santa, seniors’ tea and auctions.
“The sponsorship packages are out and they’ve been well received by the community,” said Ponoka Ag Event Centre Society (PAECS) vice-president Sherry Gummow. PAECS is the host organization of the event.
The evening of Nov. 13 will sparkle and shine as the gala unfolds, helped along by celebrity auctioneer Danny Hooper. “We’re really excited because Danny Hooper is coming to town,” said Gummow.
Hooper is a musician, media personality, columnist and motivational speaker, among other things, and has helped raise million of dollars for different charities.
On Nov. 14, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury patients will view the decorated trees. From 3 to 4:30 p.m., the seniors’ tea will take place, which will include both tea and coffee and freshly baked Christmas goodies.
“That’s a time the seniors can come see the trees and bid on the silent auction,” said Gummow.
That evening from 5 to 9 p.m. is scheduled for the general public to view the trees.
Breakfast with Santa begins on Nov. 15 at 8:30 a.m. and later in the day; noon to 6 p.m. is another general public viewing time.
Gummow says the festival is still looking for live and silent action items. In the future, a Facebook page and website detailing the event will both be available.
“All the proceeds are going to the Ponoka and District Hospital Foundation for pediatric equipment and TVs for patient rooms,” explained Gummow.
Festival of Trees pricing:
Opening Night Gala:
Individual - $60
Table of eight - $450
Breakfast with Santa:
Adults - $25
Children 11 and under - $15
Table of eight - $180
General public and seniors - $5