WEYBURN – Singing groups from schools, churches and the community, along with some local performers, will take part in the 70th edition of the Festival of Carols on Sunday, Dec. 3, with performances at 2 and 7 p.m. at Grace United Church.
“The 70th annual Festival of Carols will once again start the Christmas season for the residents of Weyburn,” said Rotary Club president Jill Thorn.
“While 2022 was the first year for the Rotary Club of Weyburn to host the festival after the Quota Club disbanded, we are very excited to keep this wonderful tradition going. It’s a great way to get into the spirit of Christmas, and acknowledge all the hard work done by our choirs and conductors,” added Thorn.
“We are excited for this year’s entertainment. It will be a Sunday of beautiful music with an afternoon and evening performance,” said Heather Sidloski, chair of the Carol Festival committee.
Both sessions will begin with community singing, and the telling of the Christmas story by Jean Fahlman, continuing a long-standing tradition of the Quota Club.
The afternoon program will include performers Kelly Gill from Halbrite, St. Michael School, the Rotary Club, Legacy Park Grade 2s, and singer Tori Mahnke.
In the evening, the combined choirs of Grace United will perform, along with the Weyburn Comp’s RISE Choir, the Spirit Singers, the Variations community choir, Prairie Tunes and the WCS Senior Choir.
Both programs will close in the traditional way, with the singing of “Silent Night” by candlelight.
“It is amazing that some traditions last through generations. Many people in Weyburn had grand or great-grandparents who performed in Carol Festival and now they are seeing their children and grandchildren perform. We are so fortunate to live in a community that has so many wonderful musicians and also supports music. We are so thankful for all the performers, directors and accompanists who make this rich tradition happen year after year,” said Sidloski.
There is no admission charge for the Festival of Carols, but there will be collection plates out for donations, to support the many projects of the Weyburn Rotary Club.
