Arborg’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, planned for Friday, Nov. 28, is entering a new chapter this year—one shaped by sustainability, community spirit and a tradition that has quickly taken root.
The 2025 event will be the community’s last to feature a harvested Christmas tree, closing a short but meaningful era that began when the ceremony was first introduced in 2023. That first celebration relied entirely on volunteers who sourced, transported and set up a donated tree so residents could gather for a shared seasonal moment.
From left: Terrell Weik and Bryceson Weik of Weik Construction, and Town of Arborg Public Works employee Steve Dykstra, assist with the installation of Arborg’s 2025 Christmas tree
“It all began with a simple idea,” said Cindy Stansell, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Arborg. “We wanted to create a moment in the year that would bring people together in a meaningful way. Even without a permanent tree or established ceremony, the community stepped forward immediately. That volunteer spirit really set the tone for what this event represents.”
This year’s cut tree was donated by Johnston Dairies and brought into town by Weik Construction, which provided equipment, labour and expertise. Town Public Works staff prepared the site and began hanging holiday decorations throughout the community, including new light-pole fixtures along Main Street.
But Stansell said public feedback has been clear: residents have increasingly asked for a more sustainable option.
“Many people told us they loved the ceremony but hoped for a more sustainable approach,” she said. “Residents wanted something that could grow with the community—literally and symbolically. Council listened, and that’s why we made the decision to plant a permanent tree.”
Earlier this year, Operations Manager Justin Hoplock worked with Hans at Minerva Tree Farms to select an 11-foot blue spruce, now planted in Firefighters Memorial Park. It will become the centrepiece of the lighting ceremony beginning next year once it has had time to establish its roots.
“This tree is an investment in our future,” Stansell said. “It reflects what the tradition has become—something rooted in community, shaped by local creativity, and strengthened by people working together.”
In just its third year, the ceremony has already inspired new seasonal gatherings. Local businesses collaborated to host a Breakfast with Santa at the Arborg Legion, while the Creative Cocoon committee designed and built the large wooden tree and deer display at the Water Treatment Plant—features that have become signature visuals in Arborg’s holiday landscape.
“Every year, more people add their own ideas and energy to the season,” Stansell said. “When we create opportunities to gather, people respond.”
Council also thanked the Arborg Bifrost Fire Department and Arborg Bifrost Recreation for supporting the revitalization of Firefighters Memorial Park and helping prepare the permanent tree for future celebrations.
“We’re grateful to everyone who contributed this year,” Stansell added. “The strength of this community has always come from the people who call it home.”
Residents are invited to attend the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Water Treatment Plant parking lot, where the final cut tree will shine before the newly planted evergreen becomes the long-term symbol of the season.
