Duane Hicks
Want a unique Christmas tree this holiday season?
How about one that can be paid for in the name of a good cause?
Then the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce and local Kiwanis Club might have an answer for you with the first-ever “Festival of Trees.”
The Chamber has started to approach local businesses to ask them to decorate trees and then donate them for a silent auction.
The trees then will be bid on during the week leading up to the “Festival of Frost” on Nov. 30, at which time bids will be finalized. The trees will be located at Fine Line Art Gallery (529 Mowat Ave.).
Samantha Manty, business and events development assistant intern for the Chamber, said the Kiwanis came up with the idea and were going to do it on their own.
“But then they didn’t have the manpower and things to completely get it going, so we decided that we’d work together,” she noted.
“They gave us a lot of the information and did a bit of the groundwork, and now the Chamber’s kind of taking over.
“Basically, what we’re going to be doing is asking businesses of the community, and individuals and organizations, to decorate and donate Christmas trees,” said Manty.
“Then what we’re going to do is have a silent auction.
“It’s going to be the week leading up to the ‘Festival of Frost,’ so that we can get people information on the ‘Festival of Frost’ and then on the Saturday, we’ll have the final bids for the auction.”
Manty said proceeds from silent auction will be split between the Kiwanis Club, which supports a myriad of projects, especially for children, and the Chamber, which supports business-related and marketing initiatives.
“We’re trying to encourage people to donate [trees] because proceeds will go back into the community,” she remarked.
“Every dollar will go back into the community somehow.”
Manty said she’s starting to get word out about the “Festival of Trees,” and already has five trees lined up to be decorated and donated.
“I am hoping to get 20. That’s my goal,” she enthused.
“We’re hoping that we’re going to get unique trees,” Manty added, noting they could be anything from a tree made out of books or one made out of recycled items to a more classic look.
“It’s supposed to be fun,” she stressed. “I really hope we get kids looking at the trees and having fun.
“Christmas is magical.”
The deadline to submit your decorated tree is Thursday, Nov. 21.
To find out more or to donate a tree, call Manty at 274-5773.
In related news, the Chamber also is encouraging local businesses to get into the Christmas spirit and deck the halls (or their windows, doors, and storefronts) for a “Festival of Frost” window-decorating contest.
Sign up with the Chamber by calling Manty at 274-5773.
Judging will take place Nov. 29.
