With Christmas just a few weeks away, the spirit is already making its way to Weyburn. Christmas carols are an integral part of Christmas, and The Rotary Club of Weyburn is ready to lift spirits with the 71st annual Festival of Carols on December 1st. Doug Loden with the Weyburn Rotary explains the history of the annual festival.
“The annual Festival of Carols began back in 1956 and was hosted by the Quota Club of Weyburn. The Rotary Club, which began hosting the Carol Festival after the Quota Club was discontinued, is proud to be hosting the 71st annual Carol Festival this year, choirs come and perform Christmas carols for the public.”
Taking place at the Grace United Church here in Weyburn, it’s a two-part event with the main events happening at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. with preludes 15 minutes before each performance.
“It's a wonderful day of music and it really does mark the beginning of the Christmas season," shared Loden. "Weyburn is very supportive of this annual event, and we are thankful to both the musicians and the audiences."
He added, "We're looking for groups and individuals to perform at the Carol Festival. Any musician who is interested in contributing can contact Heather Sidloski at 306-861-2837 or by e-mail hsidloski@hotmail.com. Hope you'll be able to attend one of the performances."
There will be a silver collection at the door, with funds going to support the Rotary Club's various projects, including the Weyburn Rotary Music Festival, Weyburn Minor Hockey, the Weyburn Care-A-Van Society, Inclusion Weyburn, Weyburn Legion, Envision Counselling and Support Centre, the Weyburn Salvation Army, CMHA Weyburn, the Weyburn Group Home Society, Weyburn Summer Swim Program, Southeast Regional College Bursary, Weyburn Comprehensive School academic scholarships, and the Family Place.
Loden said the fun starts at 1:30 p.m. when they will feature slideshows of previous Carol Festivals, followed by a prelude from Colleen Weimer and Gail Murray. The community will sing Christmas carols prior to the main performances.
Come by the Grace United Church on December 1st and enjoy the Rotary Club of Weyburn’s 71st annual Festival of Carols and celebrate the start of another Christmas season!