Voting is now on for the best Christmas tree in civic buildings and businesses in Port Coquitlam.
A total of 37 are up for the 12th annual Christmas Tree Festival, a fundraiser for PoCo Heritage, with decorated trees located at the:
- Port Coquitlam Community Centre (2150 Wilson Ave.)
- Terry Fox Library (2150 Wilson Ave.)
- Port Coquitlam City Hall (2580 Shaughnessy St.)
- Leigh Square (next to city hall)
- PoCo Heritage Museum (150-2248 McAllister Ave.)
- Hyde Creek Recreation Centre (1379 Laurier Ave.)
The tree with the most votes — posted through the website or scanned through the tree QR code — by Dec. 20 will get the coveted trophy on Dec. 21.
Last year, first place went to the 1st PoCo Scouts for its display of a beaver cutting down a Christmas tree and another beaver holding up the ladder. Silver was awarded to the Mayfair Terrace Retirement Residence while third spot went to Treasure Chest and Games and Mostly Games & Collectibles.
For this year’s iteration, the 1st PoCo Scouts have “lit” a tree on fire with orange tissue paper and placed toy fire trucks at its base; other 2024 themes include the Grinch, Captain Underpants and sports.
As well, Coun. Dean Washington is sponsoring a holiday tree in the Michael Wright Art Gallery at Leigh Square and Coun. Nancy McCurrach is back with her memorial tree, also in the gallery.
Jesse Bannister of the Downtown Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association (BIA), which organizes the fest, said there are five more entries this year, including from a developer who is planning six towers at PoCo Place mall: Wesbild.
The trees adorned by PoCo residents, nonprofits and clubs for the cause “are a good way for the community to get into the Christmas spirit,” Bannister told the Tri-City News on Dec. 4. “For the participants, it’s a very creative way to demonstrate their community action and get their word out.”
Alex Code of PoCo Heritage said the event brought in about $2,000 last year for the museum operations, events and programs.
Meanwhile, the annual fest also includes a scavenger hunt, with the chance for participants to win one of three $50 gift certificates to a downtown business. To take part, find the number on the tree, vote and drop off your completed scavenger hunt form to the Downtown PoCo BIA drop box inside PoCo City Hall or email it to [email protected].
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