Prince Albert’s Tux and Toques Gala Celebrates Sponsors and Community

The Prince Albert Winter Festival hosted its annual Tux and Toques Gala on February 3, 2024, at the Wildlife Federation building, marking nearly a decade of this cherished community event. The gala, which sold out, aimed to express appreciation for sponsors while providing a festive atmosphere for attendees to don elegant gowns and tuxedos. Guests were greeted with toques, a nod to the event’s theme of combining style with a touch of local culture.

According to Bev Erickson, past president of the festival and gala chairperson, the event serves to thank sponsors and enhance Prince Albert’s social calendar. “It’s just to say thank you to the sponsors and kind of give Prince Albert another classy event for people to go to,” she explained. The evening featured a variety of entertainment, including a ‘diamond dig,’ silent auction, and performances by local musicians Carmen Robertson and Janice Trudel, who captivated the audience with country classics.

The funds raised during the gala will support the construction of the city’s first Ronald McDonald House, located near Victoria Hospital. Currently, families of hospitalized children have access to a room for respite, snacks, and laundry facilities. The new facility will expand support with twelve rooms available for overnight stays, significantly enhancing the accommodation options for families in need.

The culinary offerings for the evening were prepared by My Place Catering, featuring a sumptuous menu that included roast beef, chicken stuffed with asparagus, and a selection of salads and sides. Erickson, who has coordinated the gala since its second year, expressed her passion for the event, stating, “I keep doing it because I love to see people get dressed up. I love the talent that we have in Prince Albert, and just to showcase the people that we have.”

The longevity of the Winter Festival, now in its 62nd year, is attributed to the dedication of volunteers and support from local businesses. It is recognized as one of the longest-running festivals in Canada, attracting visitors from across northern Saskatchewan. The festival will continue with a series of events, including the King and Queen Trapper competition and dog sled races on February 20-21. Other highlights include a chili cook-off on February 4 and the Country North Show on February 6-7, with details available on the festival’s official website.

This year’s Tux and Toques Gala not only celebrated community spirit but also reinforced the importance of local support for families in need, making it a significant occasion in Prince Albert’s winter festivities.