BONNYVILLE – The holiday season will kick off in the Town of Bonnyville with the Festival of Trees as usual.
Town council heard during its Oct. 27 meeting that the Christmas event that raises funds for the Bonnyville Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinic will be going ahead, though it will look a little different this year.
“Our Festival of Trees this year is going to be going virtual,” explained Katherine Currie, director of planning and development, adding, it wouldn’t have been possible for those running the event to follow provincial protocols.
“Having it all set up with COVID-19 regulations was just more than we’re capable of doing with the small amount of staff that run the program.”
An online auction will be set up through givergy.com, a fundraising company, with a number of items available to be bid on, including four decorated trees and the always-popular Wine Tree.
Those wishing to take a look at some of the auction items in person are in luck. A small viewing area will be set up in the foyer of town hall, though access will be limited and precautions will be taken to ensure COVID-19 guidelines are adhered to.
When council cancelled the Canaday Day celebrations at a May 12 meeting, they decided to put $10,000 from the $50,000 budget toward the 2020 Festival of Trees if the event was to go ahead.
With the additional money in mind, town administration and staff set to work figuring out the best way to organize the event to “allow for continued support of mental health in our community.”
The 2019 Festival of Trees raised roughly $8,000. Altogether, the event has raised around $140,000 to donate to local community groups in the past.
During the discussion, council wondered if there had been any talk regarding the Bonnyville Santa Claus Parade, and if it’s been cancelled or not.
According to director of finance Renee Stoyles, town administration has been exploring options on the best way St. Nick could make a stop in town.
“It hasn’t been decided as far as I’m aware, at this date,” she noted.
The Santa Clause Parade will be discussed at a future meeting.