Kerrobert gets ready to celebrate 10th anniversary of Festival of Trees

By Joan Janzen

For the past decade, the community of Kerrobert has been enjoying the Festival of Trees, presented by the Kerrobert Courthouse Restoration Society. This year’s festival will take place Thursday, December 2nd.

Seventeen decorated trees will be on display in the art gallery, where people are invited to look and vote for their favourite tree. Whoever receives the most votes wins a tree, and all the funds raised go towards courthouse restorations.

There are also two trees in the main foyer, which are beautifully decorated; funds raised from these trees go towards the local cemetery, the food bank and seniors. Participants pay $50 to enter a tree, and donations are also welcome. A tax receipt is issued for any donation over $20. The trees are on display from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on December 2nd; following that date, viewing takes place during Town office hours.

The library is also open from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., where Take and Make Kits are available for anyone. The Tralapa group will be running a hot dog stand, which the Chamber of Commerce sponsors, for anyone who is hungry, and treat bags will be handed out, compliments of Bick’s Drugs. Masking, proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test within 72 hours, along with ID, are required to enter the courtroom gallery.

Meanwhile, the courtyard outside will be glistening with decorations and lights. If the weather cooperates, tobogganing is scheduled from 3:15 to 5:30. If the snow melts, coordinators are looking into the possibility of hayrides. There’s also public skating running from 2:00 - 4:15 p.m. with free admission.

More fun is scheduled for the following day, Friday, December 3rd, with a Good Old Fashioned Dance, catered supper and silent auction. Music will be supplied by The Romantics, who play 60’s music, swing and big band music.

Photo courtesy Kerrobert Museum