‘Christmas in the Country’

The Barrhead and District Chamber of Commerce are proud to host the 7^th Annual Festival of Trees. Our committee has decided this year’s theme is ‘Christmas in the Country’. The success of this charitable event depends largely on the support of our community. Last year we raised an incredible $51,000.00 for our local charities, as a result of the items our community generously donated and bid on! We are challenging everyone to decorate and donate a Christmas tree, wreath or other Christmas arrangement. Please remember the proceeds of these items are all given to our local charities in Barrhead and are very much appreciated.

The Festival of Trees will again consist of 2 major events – the Christmas Market and the Fundraising Gala.

Christmas Market:

When: Friday, November 25, 2016 5:30PM to 9:30PM

Saturday, November 26, 2016 10:00AM to 3:00PM

Admission: Food Bank Donation items OR Cash donation

Come down and take in the festivities and also see the beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and other items that will be on display prior to our live auction to be held at the Gala on November 26th. With 35+ tables available, many local vendors will be in attendance with a large variety of items to complete your Christmas shopping list.

• Get your picture taken with Santa!
• Create a Christmas Craft with your children!
• Watch local talent perform while you shop!
• Vote for your favourite tree, wreath, arrangement which have been generously donated by our community members and businesses.

For further information or to book a table for the Christmas Market please contact:

Kaila Skogstad – Servus Credit Union 780-674-3348 – ext. 61314

Shelly Christianson – Independent Epicure Consultant - 780-305-4275

Please note- local vendors will have first selection, and tables for the Christmas Market will be held upon received payment.

Fundraising Gala:

When: Saturday, November 26, 2016 6:00PM to 1:00AM

Tickets: $440.00/table of 8 or $550.00/table of 10 or $55.00/single ticket

Doors will open at 6:00PM, cocktails at 6:30PM and the dinner at 7:00PM. The live auction of the trees, wreaths and other creative Christmas items will follow dinner. Remember we will again be donating the proceeds of the auction to local charities with the purchaser(s) of the items being given the opportunity to choose the recipients. Once we conclude the auction, we are excited to announce for our entertainment we have scheduled comedian - Mike MacDonald “The King of Canadian Comedy” and later will finish off the evening with a dance. This is a terrific opportunity to attend a local event as a Christmas party or just a fun evening out before the hustle and bustle of the season begins!

For further information or requesting tickets for the Gala please contact:

Kristine Bryant – Servus Credit Union 780-674-3348 ext. 61331

Jaclyn Neuman – Define Clothing 780-674-7842

Donation of Auction Items:

Theme 'Christmas in the Country'

Trees – New or gently used and a maximum of 8 feet tall – just a note, the small ones are also very popular! Also, please remember that due to fire regulations, we cannot accept live trees as donations.

Wreaths – should be a minimum of 24 inches in diameter and be decorated for the season

Christmas arrangements – should be a size that could be used as a centerpiece or a show piece! Even a gingerbread house!

This year we are also looking for any other new, creative Christmas ideas for your donations and will be excited to see what shows up!

Donation items can be dropped off at the Barrhead Elementary School Gym between 4:30pm – 5:30pm Friday November 25, 2016.

PLEASE DISPLAY YOUR DONATED AUCTION ITEM IN YOUR BUSINESS STARTING NOVEMBER 18^TH TO KICK OFF THE ANNUAL COMMUNITY LIGHT UP. CONFIRM YOUR DONATION BY NOVEMBER 10^TH TO HAVE YOUR BUSINESS NAME ADDED TO THE 'THANK-YOU' THAT WILL BE DISPLAYED IN EACH BUSINESS FOR THE WEEK PRIOR TO FESTIVAL OF TREES.

We look forward to seeing you at these events and very much appreciate your support!