Ali Howat, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
With snow on the ground and Christmas right around the corner, it鈥檚 that time of year for the annual Festival of Trees.
This will be the 21st year that the Jasper Yellowhead Historical Society Museum and Archives has held the festival.
The Festival of Trees started back in 2001 by the Anglican Church of St. Mary and St. George with the Museum taking over in 2004.
Back when the festival first started, it only had approximately 13 trees, but in past years, that number has grown up to about 40 trees, along with wreaths and various baskets.
This year, it will run from Saturday, Nov. 20 until Sunday, Dec. 12.
Once again, the Jasper Yellowhead Historical Society Museum and Archives reached out to all businesses, organizations, clubs and residents of Jasper to decorate a tree in their own unique style and theme, and donate items of value like gift certificates or products.
Those who were unable to decorate a tree for the festival are able to donate an item to the museum, and they will display it in a wreath basket or stocking.
All donations are included in the silent auction and displayed in the Showcase and Alcove galleries for the general public to see.
Each item is marked with the name of the person who donated, a description of the donation as well as the value.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the silent auction will once again be held online at
Last year, the Festival of Trees raised around $12,000. This year, the goal is to raise around $15,000.
During museum hours Thursday to Sunday, the public is able to come down and check out all the decorated wreaths and trees.
The Jasper Yellowhead Historical Society Museum and Archives thanks residents for all the support and donations.
