The votes are in and the awards are out.
The Downtown Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association (BIA) handed out trophies last week to the top three winners of the 11th annual Christmas tree contest.
The first place — and $125 — went to the 1st PoCo Scouts for its imaginative display of a beaver cutting down a Christmas tree and another propping it up with a ladder.
The Mayfair Terrace Retirement Residence took silver and a $100 gift card to Pharmachoice while Treasure Chest and Games and Mostly Games & Collectibles placed third for its Pokémon-themed tree; it also scooped a $50 gift card to Cassandra Cake Co.
Last month, PoCo residents, companies and organizations were invited to install decorated artificial trees in their business storefronts or at one of the following locations to be viewed in the lead up to Christmas:
- Port Coquitlam City Hall
- Michael Wright Art Gallery
- Terry Fox Library
- Port Coquitlam Community Centre
- Hyde Creek Recreation Centre
- PoCo Heritage
In the first two weeks of December, the public was asked to tour the tree exhibits and scan a QR code to vote on a favourite tree.
Among those who put up a tree were city councillors Nancy McCurrach and Dean Washington (non-voting); Trailside Physio; Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce; Wilson Seniors Advisory Association; PoCo Minor Hockey Association; and the TCCAT Tri-Cities Overdose Community Action Team.
The trophies were provided by the Amanda Todd Legacy Society.
Proceeds from the tree contest will support the PoCo Heritage Museum and Archives.
"The Downtown PoCo BIA is dedicated to promoting local businesses and fostering community engagement," said Jennifer McKinnon, BIA executive director, in an email to the Tri-City News today, Dec. 28.
"We were thrilled to host annual Christmas Tree Festival. This exciting event aims to ignite the Christmas spirit throughout the city while supporting a worthy cause: the Port Coquitlam Heritage Society. The Christmas Tree Festival, a beloved tradition in Port Coquitlam, has long been cherished by residents and visitors alike. This is the second year the PoCo BIA has taken on the responsibility of organizing and hosting this festive extravaganza, ensuring that the event continues to be a resounding success with 35 participants this year and over 600 voters."
The holiday trees will be taken down during the week of Jan. 8, 2024.
