Avondale’s Carol Fest an evening of storytelling, music and community spirit

Get into the Christmas spirit at Avondale United Church by listening to holiday tunes and stories, and giving back to children in the community.

The annual vent returns to the church on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. It will feature four performers throughout the evening and hot apple cider and refreshments during intermission.

“It's a nice collection of storytelling and music,” said Doris Barkley, co-coordinator of Carol Fest.

The Stratford Concert Band, led by Laurence Gauci, and the Community Choir, directed by Avondale’s director of music, Dan Van Winden, will be performing. Local writer and award-winning director Jennifer Paquette will be storytelling at Carol Fest.

“She's apparently just a wonderful, wonderful storyteller and really captivates the audience,” Barkley said.

Local indie rock band Downie Street Collective will also perform at Carol Fest. Barkley said the Downie Street Collective is a unique act compared to the concert’s usual performers, but one that will entertain the crowd.

“They're very eclectic and very spirited in their performances,” she said. “So, we think that they'll really engage the attendees as well. We thought we’d try something a little different and their music also resonates with all ages."

Carol Fest will also accept freewill donations for Stratford House of Blessing’s Children’s Christmas Toy program. Those who write their name and contact information on the donation envelope will be eligible for a tax receipt. Aleah Graff, community engagement coordinator for Avondale, said she’s looking forward to Carol Fest and is grateful to work with House of Blessing for the event.

“Because it's so festive and so geared towards Christmas, I think it's a great opportunity for people to get into the spirit of Christmas and give to such a wonderful local charity that will make sure that children have such a great Christmas," Graff said.

Barkley said the financial contributions from Carol Fest could help House of Blessing purchase more toys to fill in any gaps in regular donations. She said more children are accessing food banks and organizations like House of Blessing. Food Banks Canada’s HungerCount 2024 report found that while the proportion of children under 18 accessing food banks is still 33 per cent, the number is about 700,000 visits, an increase of 300,000 visits from about five years ago.

“Children are our future and if we can give them a happy season to look forward to, that goes a long way to their development and their own sense of being and being happy," Barkley said.

Avondale’s Food Shelf will be open Dec. 27 from 1-2:30 p.m.