By Jessica Jones
For the Independent
The 22nd Annual Festival of Lights is gearing up to host an array of holiday events from Nov. 26th to Nov. 30th all to support the purchasing of equipment for the hospital’s second labour and delivery room at the Stettler Health Care Centre.
Amy Roberts, chairperson for the Stettler Festival of Lights committee, says that they are hoping to purchase three pieces of equipment, which all together total $107,000. She believes this is an attainable goal.
“Stettler is a really generous community, and so far, the donations we have been receiving, I’m blown away by the generosity,” Roberts said.
The proceeds from the week-long holiday events running from Nov. 26th to Nov. 30th, during the Stettler Festival of Lights, will be put towards the purchasing of a Panda Warmer for labor and delivery.
This piece of equipment helps direct heat to an infant and costs upwards of $31,000.
Roberts says they will also be looking to purchase a Giraffe Warmer to check vital signs worth $10,000, along with a central cardiac monitoring centre for $66,000.
The equipment will help outfit a second labour and delivery room, outside of the $9.3 million renovation project at the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre.
The hospital’s first two labour and delivery suites are currently being built as part of the “Phase 2” renovations, which started last September.
“The (Stettler Festival of Lights) is for a really great cause, and like it or not, we are all going to have to use the hospital at one point or the other. The province does give us some funding but unfortunately it is just not enough,” Roberts said.
Stettler Festival of Lights’ silent auction is open to the public for bidding from Nov. 26th to Nov. 28th from noon to 5 p.m.
On Friday, Nov. 29th the auction will be open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Bidding closes on Nov. 29th at 1 p.m.
Admission is a cash donation.
The Artisan Christmas Market is open during public hours as listed and during all special events that are listed below. The market will feature local handmade items, including sweets, goodies, quilted items, home decor, furniture, paintings, and more.
Tuesday, Nov. 26th is the ATCO Pancake Breakfast.
It is served from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids (ages five to 10). Children four and under are free.
The Nov. 26th Christmas Spirits event from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. is currently sold out.
Wednesday, Nov.27th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. is the Tim Horton’s Seniors Tea. Tickets are $5 at the door. Also, Nov. 27th will also feature the Art and Cheer event from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. where you can create your own art project led by Stephanie Hadley. Tickets for this are $35.
Thursday, Nov. 28th is the Canasta A&W Burgers and Beer Family Night from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased prior at Wish Kitchen and Gift or at the door for $15 for adults, $10 for kids (ages five to 10), with children four and under being free.
On Friday, Nov. 29th, the Holly Jolly Lunch runs from 11:30 a.m until 1 p.m. For $15 join friends, and your co-workers for a hot lunch, market and final bidding on the silent auction items.
A Santa’s Mini Workshop runs Nov. 29th at the Stettler Agriplex from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
The event is $3 per person and will feature sleigh rides, Christmas crafts and activities, cookies and hot chocolate.
People are advised to bring their cameras so they are able to take selfies with Santa.
On Saturday, Nov. 30th, check out the Dine, Dance and Auction Christmas Gala.
Advance tickets are $65 with a $25 tax receipt. There will be a $5 ticket discount if you buy eight or more tickets. Cocktails start at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m.
The gala will hold the silent and live auction and have musical entertainment by Jamie Woodfin, followed by a DJ.
Tickets for the Festival of Lights events can be purchased at Wish Kitchen and Gift at 4806 - 50th St.
For more information, visit the Stettler Festival of Lights’ Facebook page or contact Amy Roberts at 403-740-4740.