Villages Beautiful needs support

Dec 15, 2021

For almost 20 years the Villages Beautiful Festival of Trees has been a Christmas tradition in Central Frontenac. The Villages Beautiful volunteers bring the community together through the festival. They also use the festival to raise money for the work that they do throughout the year. They use proceeds from the festival to beautify public spaces throughout the community. They work tirelessly from spring until fall, planting, weeding, watering and nurturing nature for the benefit of the whole community. When the outdoor work winds down, the festival planning begins. We are fortunate to have these caring and dedicated people around us.

Over the last two years, like everyone else, Villages Beautiful has had to adjust their plans.

Due to the ongoing challenges of the Covid-19 Pandemic, they have made plans for a wonderful alternative outdoor event instead on Saturday, December 18.

Here's a quick rundown of activities which will take place on in the Village of Sharbot Lake on that day.

 From 3-7pm Santa and his helpers will be on hand to greet children in the parking lot across from the township office. There will be hot chocolate and hot dogs available for purchase during this time, courtesy of Frenchie’s Chip hut. From 4-8 pm Luminaries will be lining some of the sidewalks of the village in recognition of the Season and the Solstice. 

At 5pm the Town Crier will be making an official announcement from the stage at Railway Heritage Park. Following that, weather permitting, the public is invited to join the Paddy (our Crier) and local dignitaries for stroll around the village to enjoy the luminaries. There may even be some unofficial carolling during this time. And Brian Robertson of North Frontenac Little Theatre will be presenting a short, interactive version of “The Happy Prince”

Villages Beautiful is delighted to help bring the community together to celebrate the holidays, but this year they can also use some help.

They need to raise approximately $6,000 each year to continue their service to the community. Due to cancellation of the festival for 2 years running, those funds are dwindling.

They need money for plants and trees and signage. They also need to replace the lights on the tree at Soldiers Memorial Hall. Villages relies entirely on the generosity of the people in this community.

To that end they have set up a Gofundme page – Villages Beautiful Festival of Trees – where people can make donations towards a $6,000 target. All donations are welcome