The Lloydminster Festival of Trees’ Cookies and Carols event filled the Gold Horse Casino for an early look at this year’s movie-themed tree lineup.
Read more: Trees to be lit by Jessie Lake
The pre-holiday favourite, which has been a Border City staple for more than 25 years, invited the community to enjoy cookies, carols, crafts and a visit with Santa on Nov. 15 — all by donation. The affordable admission drew a strong crowd, with organizers at one point calling it a full house.
“Today’s an opportunity for the community to come and see the trees in the lobby here at the Gold Horse Casino,” said organizer Gwen Mottram. “It’s an opportunity to see it at an affordable price because it’s admission by donation.”
This year’s theme, holiday movies, features eight elaborately decorated trees, each sponsored and styled with its own cinematic flair. Displays include The Grinch (Katie Mesmer), It’s a Wonderful Life (Barb Barone), Elf (Servus Wealth Strategies Ltd.), Frosty the Snowman (Lloydminster Toyota), The Polar Express (L&A Accountants), The Nutcracker (De Novo Law), White Christmas (Dawn Interiors) and Die Hard (Geordies Woodworking Ltd.).
“There was a lot of debate whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie or not, and Geordies wanted to have some fun with their tree. They just went with it,” Mottram said with a laugh.
Children attending the two-hour event were treated to a holiday craft at each table, while musical performances by the Lloydminstrels Legacy Choir and the Holy Rosary High School jazz band kept the festive atmosphere in full swing.
Mottram said the turnout was strong as usual.
“We had a full house at one point and normally it is a full house. Sometimes we even have overflow, so we set up more chairs this year.”
Donations collected at the door support ongoing projects at Weaver Heritage Park, including the completion of phase two of the log church, along with planned renovations to the Rendall Barn and Weaver House.
Mottram added the event offers residents a chance to admire the hours of work put in by decorators ahead of Thursday’s Festival of Trees gala and auction.
“At the gala, we’ll have the People’s Choice award, but the first tree that gets auctioned off is the Bidder’s Choice,” she said. “I’m really interested to see which tree goes first and which one is the people’s choice. It’s not always the same one.”
Read more: Exhibit explores life on the Prairies during Edwardian era
