The Spirit of Sylvan Yuletide Festival is returning to the NexSource Centre Nov. 3 and Dec. 1 to bring holiday cheer and raise money for charity.
This is the seventh consecutive year for the charitable festival, which has raised over $80,000 for local charities.
This year, the festival’s board members hope to raise $20,000 to bring the seven-year total to $100,000.
“Last year we raised a little less than hoped for, but we were still happy and grateful. This year we aim to do even better,” said Graham Parson, member of the Spirit of Sylvan Yuletide Festival Committee.
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All money raised through the two-day festival goes directly to three local charities, the Advanced Ambulatory Care Services, the Sylvan Lake Food Bank and the Christmas Bureau.
Parsons added the festival is free to attend and those who sit on the board are all volunteers, which helps to increase the amount donated in the end.
“Our goal is to create a fun and free event for the community while also raising money for local charities,” Parsons said.
This will be the festival’s second year in the NexSource Centre, and Parsons says the event is “shaping up to be a real good one.”
With the festival being held in the same location this year, Parsons says the committee has a better idea of the space they are working with and can fill it a bit better this year.
“All of our entertainment is lined up, events are in the process of scheduling, what we are working on now is the donations,” said Parsons.
Donations for the silent auction and sponsorships are still available, according to Parsons.
Many of the entertainment acts this year are local performers. From choirs to bands and even the local dance studio are all scheduled to perform.
The organizers have worked hard to create a full market for the festival with what Parsons calls a “full slate of vendors.”
The festival will also include a gingerbread house decorating competition, a kids zone where Santa Claus is expected to be hanging out, and the return of the senior’s tea.
“Last year the senior’s tea was a real hit, so we have decided to bring that back for our seniors to enjoy.”
The senior’s will also be able to experience the market a bit early, as it will open a couple hours early for the their shopping pleasure before opening for the general public.
Sylvan’s seniors can enjoy the market from 2-4 on Nov. 30 and also participate in the senior’s tea at 3 p.m. that same day.
The festival is open from 4-9 p.m. on Nov. 3, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 1.
“Our goal is really to make a fun, free event for the community with a great atmosphere for the holiday season,” said Parsons.
Those interested in donating to the silent auction or being a sponsor can call committee’s “fundraising elves” Melissa Gyoyner, 403-352-2100, or Meagan Carlson, 403-844-1685.
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