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By Ian Gustafson

Holiday festivities

Ponoka’s Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees begins next week

Nov 16, 2024 | 1:16 PM

The annual Ponoka & District Health Foundation Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees is right around the corner.

From Nov. 21-23 at the Stagecoach Saloon on Ponoka Stampede Grounds, there will be five events of festive holiday fun.

Festival of Trees coordinator Diane Rose said they’re excited it’s nearly arrived.

“We have lots of exciting stuff going on throughout the week,” she said. “It gets bigger and better every year. We’ve taken on the whole stagecoach so there’s lots of room to move around in there now.”

All proceeds from the Festival will benefit the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre and the Ponoka Community Health Centre, including a helicopter pad and other needed medical equipment.

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The Ponoka & District Health Foundation Festival of Trees has been an annual event since it first started in 2019 and continued even through the COVID-19 pandemic with an online auction.

“It helps the community to have something to go out to every year, to enjoy and get the family out,” she said.

“Also, for our community to be able to fundraise for such important things that we need for our hospital.”

The Festival begins with on Thursday, Nov. 21 with the open house viewing of trees from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The public, who will get their first look at the trees and Christmas treasure gift shop, can attend by either a $2 donation or a food donation to the food bank.

On Friday, Nov. 22 there will be a pair of events beginning with the Seniors Christmas Tea from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be live entertainment, prize draws, silent auction and refreshments for the seniors in the community. A $15 per-person payment can be made at the door or online and are available on a first-come first-served basis.

Later that evening, the Opening Night Gala & Auction will be underway. Doors will open at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

The entry fee is $65 per person and tickets can be purchased online on their website or by calling (403) 597-1054. This is a highly anticipated event with live auctioneers, entertainment, and dinner.

And on the final day on Saturday, Nov. 23 they’ll host the Family Day Christmas Celebration which is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For $5 a person, families and individuals can meet Santa Claus and visit a petting zoo, bouncy castle, and other entertainment such as wagon rides and face painting. Tickets will be available at the venue.

Later in the day, the Guys and Gals Dance will run from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and for $65 those interested can enjoy an evening of live entertainment and appetizers. To purchase tickets call (403) 597-1054 or visit online.