Duane Hicks
The “Festival of Trees” silent auction rapidly is shaping up to be fun event, with more and more businesses and individuals agreeing to decorate a tree for the fundraiser.
Samantha Manty, business and events development assistant intern for the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, said that as of late Friday, 13 groups have signed up to decorate and donate trees—jumping from five only a couple of days earlier.
“I am hoping for 20, so with 13 we have a good start,” Manty enthused, noting an article in last Wednesday’s Times really sparked people’s interest.
“At the moment, it seems to be mostly businesses [decorating trees],” she said. “A few individuals have shown interest.
“It would be great to get a few more people to put in trees.
“[But] I feel excited,” she added. “It’s a little bit of everyone that’s putting things in.”
Manty said the “Festival of Trees” has received “a really positive reaction so far.”
“A lot of people are just excited to be giving back to the community because they know that by donating a tree, the proceeds will go back to Kiwanis and to the Chamber of Commerce,” she explained.
“And I feel like a lot of people are excited about the fact they can be creative with it,” Manty added.
“They like the idea they can donate trees of all different styles, shapes, and varieties.”
The silent auction will take place at the Fine Line Art Gallery on Mowat Avenue.
Trees must be dropped off at the gallery on either Nov. 21 or Nov. 22 between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Trees then will be displayed from Nov. 25-30, where they will be viewed and bid on from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Closing bids must be placed by 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30—the same the day as the “Festival of Frost” downtown.
Winners will be announced around 1:30 p.m. Trees must be paid for and picked up immediately following these announcements.
As noted, proceeds from the silent auction will be split between the local Kiwanis Club, which supports a myriad of projects, especially for children, and the Chamber.
In related news, the Chamber also is encouraging local businesses to get into the Christmas spirit by decking the halls (or their windows, doors, and storefronts) for a “Festival of Frost” window-decorating contest.
Manty conceded the response to the contest has been slower than for the trees but noted November is a busy month for businesses, who often decorate their windows for Remembrance Day.
Then there’s Riverside Community Counselling’s “Shine the Light” campaign, which is inviting local businesses to participate by decorating their windows and stores in purple in support of Woman Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month.
Manty said it’s likely many businesses will be decorating their windows for the Christmas season anyway, so why not do it in time for the “Festival of Frost” at the end of the month.
They’re asked to sign up with the Chamber by calling Manty at 274-5773.
Judging will take place Nov. 29.
