Evergreen Festival will get Haligonians in the holiday spirit

By Jordan Parker

The Evergreen Festival is set to delight Haligonians from all different walks of life leading up to the holiday season.

The almost month-long event will have events and activities for just about everyone, and marks a huge partnership in the area.

“The Evergreen Festival is a wonderful initiative that animates the region and helps to support the people and places that are so crucial to our community,” said Ross Jefferson, President and CEO of Discover Halifax. “We are proud to be a part of a winter event that adds vibrancy to our community, giving residents and tourists a reason to get out and enjoy Halifax in our shoulder season.”

Partners Discover Halifax, Develop Nova Scotia, Halifax Regional Municipality, Jazz East Rising, sponsors and small businesses have all come together for the event.

It's a long time in the making and this iteration was originally conceived of prior to March 2020.

“We did our level best to bring it to life last year. We were almost ready to roll out what we had planned, and had to pull back due to COVID,” said Deborah Page, Develop Nova Scotia's director of marketing and communications.

“The lights happened and people were able to get out of their houses in their bubbles. The stage programming was programmed virtually and people could turn in.”

With plans to do the full programmed line-up this year, it's time to celebrate.

“This is about loving everything Nova Scotian at this time of year. We should all be able to do it comfortably and be excited to spend time outside,” she said.

“We are encouraging people to embrace this, spend time with friends and family, and take baby steps toward the re-opening of society in a safe way.”

Now in its second year, the four-week festival gives a fresh look at food, drink, culture, craft, art and music of the area. It features holiday light installations, a market and a stage with shows curated by the Halifax Jazz Festival.

Also featured are soups and sips done by restaurants in town, and evergreen getaways that offer hotel guests packages.

“The importance of local is best indicated by the number of businesses and sponsors involved. People are selling their wares and organizations are coming together,” she said.

“The spirit comes alive and the responses have been great. Restaurants are in, businesses are offering specials, and everyone is embracing the spirit and opportunity.”

The partners and sponsors are all working together to keep everyone community-minded this holiday, and Page says the collaboration has been incredible.

“I've heard Mayor Mike Savage say, 'It's amazing what we can accomplish when no one cares about the credit.' Who can top those words? It seems like it's working here,” she said.

“Discover Halifax is representing members and trying to showcase this place and attract people here. We have created spaces across this province where we can welcome the community in, and I'm so happy to be able to provide a platform for business and economic growth.”

Page is focused on creating an inclusive event for all that will bring everyone together in this important time.

“How we approach these projects is about how we reflect the community we serve. We want to make people feel comfortable. This isn't just about Christmas or anything else, but it's about everything. We want people to celebrate regardless of background,” she said.

“We are trying to have things for absolutely everyone. There are things for families, kids, and older folks as well. There are things for free, and you don't have to pay for Instagrammable moments. Just take a walk downtown.”

The Evergreen Festival goes from November 26 – December 19, 2021. For more information, visit evergreenfestns.com.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today