Two lucky children will be crowned honourary Penticton royalty at a family movie fundraiser this Saturday afternoon at the Penticton Lakeside Resort.
They will join the Miss Penticton royalty on the Peach Festival float in the annual Downtown Penticton Santa Claus Parade.
“We are hosting a fundraiser Saturday at 2 p.m. to help the Miss Penticton royalty pay for expenses while travelling on the float, promoting Penticton to communities in Canada and the U.S.,” said Lily Eggert, Miss Penticton. “We are hosting a movie event for the whole family and will crown the honourary royalty who will join us on the float for the Santa Claus Parade.”
The proceeds of this fundraiser will complement other fundraising activities, as well as funding from the City of Penticton, to assist with the cost of hotel rooms and travel.
Last year the Penticton royalty travelled to 26 communities, bringing exposure to the City of Penticton by appearing in their parades. Some of these are televised, bringing even more exposure.
“Thanks to a private donor, we have a really cool door prize, a Twin Hatchimal. Basically a modern day Furby,” said Miss Penticton princess Makalya Stasuik of one of the hottest toys this year. “We’re excited about hosting this event to ensure we continue to spread the word about our great community throughout the Pacific Northwest.”
There will also be something for the adults. A silent auction with Seattle Mariners tickets, a signed Penticton Vees jersey and four game tickets, a Christmas ham from A&K Grimm’s and much more to bid on.
The event takes place at 2 p.m. at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. Tickets are $8 and the feature is the family-friendly animated film The Rise of the Guardians. Popcorn and drinks will be sold separately. The honourary crowning will occur at the event with a draw for children aged five to 12. The winners will ride on the float for the Dec. 2 Santa Claus parade.
“We will also have an ugly sweater contest, a craft table, photo booth with royalty, all fun things for the kids. We wanted to make sure we had a great event that the whole family could enjoy,” said Miss Penticton princess Romalee Stanley. “We are very thankful to the Lakeside Resort, who is giving us the venue and to everyone who has donated to the event.”
Tickets are available at the Penticton Lakeside, Sirius Science & Nature and Hartford Travel.
“We also encourage anyone who cannot come but still wants to donate to purchase a ticket for a child, who otherwise may not be able to afford to come,” said Eggert.
To sponsor a child email buyakidaticket@hotmail.com or donate anywhere tickets are sold.