If you’re getting ready to decorate your house for the Christmas season, you can do so and help give back to a worthy cause ast the same time.
The Downtown Barrie Business Improvement Association (BIA) Noella Festival runs until Dec. 16 and has its very own tree and wreath lot.
Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Noella tree and wreath lot will be open to the public with trees priced at $60 and wreaths priced at $35.
Kristen Eatch fromt he Downtown Barrie BIA told BarrieToday there are lots of trees, thanks Drysdale’s Tree Farm.
“There are tons of trees available for anyone looking for them,” said Eatch. “Drysdale’s replenishes us when we’re running low, but it’s always good to get down here and pick the perfect one for you and your home.”
The Fraser fir trees are approximately six to seven feet in high and will be sold at the west side of the Meridian Place stage.
The tree and wreath lot has been a staple of the Noella festival for five years and this year all proceeds from sales are going toward Hospice Simcoe.
“Hospice may not be located downtown, but it holds such a place in the heart of the city,” said Eatch. “If you haven’t been directly by someone you love needing palliative care, you certainly know someone who has.
"We’re always proud to team up with this great organization," she added.
The Noella tree and wreath lot will coincide with a local artisans market and visits with Santa will be from noon until 2 p.m., on Saturday.
There will also be a fire pit to keep warm by while relaxing in Muskoka chairs, giving Meridian Place a very festive-feel.
Eatch says that not only does the whole set-up look like a TV special, the event holds a very dear place in heart.
“It is kind of like a Hallmark Christmas movie when you see it,” she said. “For me personally, it started my time here at the BIA. In 2016, I went to get a tree from the lot and ran into (outgoing BIA managing director) Craig (Stevens). We talked for nearly two hours about how awesome downtown is and how much we love the city.
"That conversation eventually led to me joining the BIA team, something I’m very happy to be doing," Eatch added. "The tree lot event is very special to me.”
For more information on the Noella Festival and tree and wreath lot, click here.
