Sitting amidst boxes and decorations that have been brought in by volunteers, stored in a part of the hospital not usually visited, Sue Peterson, chair of Festival of Lights (FoL) walked down memory lane to share her earliest memories and why she started being a part of the event.
Way back in 1997, the year in which the event started, Peterson has been involved.
Her father had been the hospital site manager at one of the hospitals in northern Ontario and Peterson had grown up hearing of all the difficulties in balancing hospital budgets.
"He was outstanding at his job and to honour his memory I became involved with this fundraiser for our hospital," Peterson said. "While it is difficult to wrap 19 years of experience into a few words I would have to say the best part has been working with the talented, dedicated and passionate committee members."
Peterson lauded the committee and all the volunteers throughout the years.
"Their fierce pride in their work, their commitment to meeting our annual goals and the fun we have pulling it all together make this volunteer job one of the best I have had over the years," Peterson said. "One of my first memories is of delivering trees to successful bidders."
Peterson recalled that the trees would be wrapped in protective plastic and loaded into the back of an enclosed van.
"A few of us would climb into the van to hold them down to ensure they did not topple over on the ride to their new homes," Peterson added. "The inside of the van was completely dark and we had no way of knowing which direction the vehicle would lurch or move next. It was an interesting experience to be sure."
Now all successful bidders come to the hall to collect their trees and we sincerely, Peterson said, and she is thankful and appreciative that it is done differently.
Over the years the FoL committee has changed many times and for a variety of reasons.
"When I took on the role of Festival Chair, I encouraged each member to sink their teeth into a specific portion of the event, which they felt best suited their creativity," Peterson explained. "In the beginning the six or seven committee members did it all. Now each person "chairs" their own area of expertise and responsibility whether it is scheduling the 350 volunteers, preparing the Market, decorating the ceiling and front entrance or running an event."
Each year Peterson and her committee have a goal in mind to raise as the Festival approaches.
"The hospital foundation identifies an area of need and we work toward meeting that need," Peterson added.
Since the event began in 1997, FoL has raised close to $900,000, which has enabled the Stettler hospital to purchase much needed equipment and complete necessary and important upgrades.
"This year the money raised will go toward assisting with the current upgrades focused on the ER at our hospital," Peterson said. "All of Stettler and surrounding areas have been outstanding in their support of our hospital over the years and we are really grateful.
One of the areas where the FoL can never have enough are their need for volunteers.
"We always need volunteers, because there's always something to do, so if you would like to help please contact a committee member," Peterson added. "There is much to do from selling tickets to heavy lifting."
Recalling one of her favourite memories, Peterson said she really enjoyed the performance of the handbell choir at the Sounds of the Season.
"It was exquisite and as I commented at the time, I imagined it was just the sound one would expect in Heaven," Peterson exclaimed.
FoL committee members this year are Amy Roberts, Suzanne Bond, Allison Baird, Mary Jane Jackson, Barbara-Lynn Goodwin, Morgan Hiller, Christine Verhoeven, Chelsey VanLanduyt, Lesley McDavid and Kelly Greenwood.
This year's campaign is focused on the ER, with the "wish list" including a vision 2 veinviewer, a Qube bedside monitor, a Life Pak 15 V2 and accessories, a Suresigns Monitor and an Epidural Positioning Device.
"We try to ensure there is something for everyone at the Festival," Peterson said. "This year we have some new events, which we hope will appeal to families and encourage all Stettlerites to attend."
The FoL breakfast – "ATCO Pancake Breakfast" – which kicks off the week is on Tuesday, Nov. 22, featuring a come-and-go pancake event allowing families to arrive at their leisure between 7–9 a.m.
That evening, the event will premiere "Art and Cheer" from 7–9 p.m. at which Stephanie Hadley of Remedy Art Studio will guide participants through an evening of artistic pursuits.
On Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 23 from 2–4 p.m., the Seniors will enjoy the Seniors' Tea followed by an evening of "Christmas Spirits" from 7–9 p.m. with the Jazz Guys.
On Thursday evening, Nov. 24 the FoL has brought in another new event, "A & W Burgers and Beer", which is a dinner for families with food fun and after-dinner fun.
On Friday, Nov. 25 is the "Bids and Bites" event from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Stettler Community Hall, and people can have lunch while they check out their bids. At the Stettler Agriplex, from 1–5 p.m. is "Children's Wonderland", with the gala dinner the following day, Nov. 26 to end the week-long festivities.
"Stettler businesses and individuals have once again stepped up to support this year's festival with donations for the live and silent auctions," Peterson said. "We are very pleased with all the donations and support we have been receiving."