Wakamow Valley once again hosted a successful Valley of Lights event that wrapped up this week. 

About 90 to 95 trees within the Lorne Calvert Campground were decorated with lights and Christmas decorations throughout the holiday season as a fundraiser for Wakamow Valley. 

Although final totals are unknown at this point, Wakamow Valley Authority general manager Donna MacQuarrie-Bye said they are expecting an uptick in attendance from last year. 

“I think that was in large part because the weather was so terrible last year, and this year was a little bit more conducive to doing it. It would have been nice to have a little skiff of snow. But, no, I think a large part was due to the weather,” said MacQuarrie-Bye. 

She added that the weekend programs were a highlight of this year’s event and were very well received. 

Some of the programs included the Moose Jaw Community Choir, appearances by the Grinch and Santa Claus, and wagon rides. 

“Our wagon rides were sold out. There were all the other programs that we had, Santa, the Grinch, the choir, they were all very well received. There was a very high attendance on those nights. Our sponsors, I can’t thank our sponsors enough for being a part of our event,” said MacQuarrie-Bye. 

She added that the event could not have happened without the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and staff. 

On Dec. 17, the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club held a “Drive for Charity” night which raised $1,500 to help fight Cystic Fibrosis. 

So, what does the future hold for the Valley of Lights? 

MacQuarrie-Bye said it is too soon to plan next year’s event, but she’s hoping it will be bigger and better than ever. 

“We’d like to expand to the loop at the very back of the campground and get full use of the entire space, but we’ll see. We’ll see what brings on for 2024,” she said. 

The Valley of Lights is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for Wakamow Valley. Admission to the event was $10 per vehicle with all of the proceeds going back into the upkeep and programming in Wakamow Valley.