New Iceland Heritage Museum hosts Festival of the Trees
The Festival of the Trees is back in Gimli this Christmas.
It’s been years since the New Iceland Heritage Museum hosted its annual Festival of the Trees, but executive direction Julianna Roberts has brought it back for the 2023 season.
The Festival of the Trees is a fundraiser for local charities. Community businesses or individuals can sponsor a four-foot or six-foot Christmas tree provided by the museum, and then decorate it however they like, with whatever they like. There aren’t any rules around decorating the trees, Roberts just asks that everything remain safe.
Some people will take their trees back to work or their homes to decorate, while others will decorate them right in the museum. Once finished, the glistening trees sit on display at the New Iceland Heritage Museum and visitors can bid on them from Nov. 24 until Dec. 18. Roberts will then contact the highest bidders to pick up their tree, with the proceeds going to a local charity of their choosing.
“It’s a way to spread cheer and make a sort of winter wonderland at the same time,” Roberts said.
If people can’t make it into the museum to view the trees but want part of the action, each will be posted to the museum’s social media pages. Roberts will take bids online, through email and over the phone, accommodating anyone who wants to take part.
As of last week, there were six, six-foot trees sponsored and three four-foot ones.
The festival will begin in coordination with Moonlight Madness on Nov. 24, Gimli’s Christmas season kick-off event. Also at the museum will be the Christmas Market, with 10 tables of vendors selling local handmade goods. The market will be open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Shoppers can enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies while at the market.
While taking in the Festival of the Trees and shopping at the museum’s Christmas market, people can also witness the official tree lighting at 7 p.m. on Nov. 24 at the Harbourfront.
Businesses will remain open late, with some offering specials and sales. Christmas carols will be playing, children can take photos with Santa Claus and bonfires will be lit around downtown.
On Nov. 26, there will be a craft sale at the legion. On Dec. 2, there will be a breakfast with Santa Claus at the recreation centre, followed by the craft and vendor market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Santa Claus parade at 6 p.m.
The New Iceland Heritage Museum is a non-profit organization, meaning events like the Festival of the Trees are costly to put on. Supporting the events makes every penny worth it, though, said Roberts, and she encourages everyone to take in the beautifully decorated trees.
