KERROBERT - The community of Kerrobert was as excited as a kid on Christmas morning when they learned their decade-long tradition, festival of trees, would be part of their community once again, after a pause prescribed by the ongoing pandemic.
Dec. 2 and 3 held two days of activity revolving around the community Christmas kickoff.
Initially the Kerrobert museum committee hosted this Christmas event. The Kerrobert Courtroom Gallery took it over for several years and the Kerrobert Courthouse Restoration Society took over the event in 2019 and will be the hosts from now on.
The committee of 12 includes: Jackie Mcnichol, Veronica Smith, Heather Wack, Megan Heidt, Kim Harmon, Vicki Anderson, Myrna Kissick, Sandy Smith, Lisa Knorr, Staci Hall, Phyllis Barth and Bev Dieno.
“The planning begins in September so that residents, groups, organizations and businesses are aware it is upcoming. The committee feels providing advance notice helps others plan their events around. This year was the first time the festival was held on a Thursday, with a dance the following evening,” says committee member Heather Wack.
The courtyard surrounding the Kerrobert Courthouse was also decorated, which was no small undertaking. The lights are not officially lit up until 6 p.m. the day of the festival itself. The Restoration Society named their dual events “Kerrobert Gets Lit,”putting a fun twist on the 2021 Christmas community activity.
Inside the courthouse, more than 19 trees are set up, as well as the hall is decorated for the dance.
On Dec. 2, the trees display ran from 2 to 8 p.m. The Kerrobert Library, which is part of the same building, was open and handed out kids' craft kits and treat bags. All museum rooms were open for viewing and decorated for Christmas. In addition to the tree display, the Kerrobert Courtroom Gallery included the current art display by Christine Cole. Bick’s Drugs supplied Santa treat bags to all the children who attended.
The festive weekend in Kerrobert also included free public skating, sponsored by KidSport, as well as barbecue hot dogs supplied by the Chamber of Commerce and cooked up by the Tralapa Rangers. The Rangers also set up a fire pit with bales around, as well as organizing a hayride. Unfortunately, due to the lack of snow, sledding was cancelled.
The Friday night dance included a supper, silent auction and raffle, all donated by local businesses, artists and others from the community. Entertainment by the Bromantics was well received, playing much of their music from the 1960.
“The Kerrobert Courthouse Restoration Society is very grateful for all the community support, as all monies raised from these events go towards the courthouse stairs restoration project," Wack says.
"If anyone is interested in helping to restore and preserve our historic courthouse, they can make a donation to the town of Kerrobert indicating for Restoration Society. Tax receipts available for donations over $20."
