Local businesses, non-profits, and organizations are showing their creative talent once again with the Sheep River Health Trust's annual Avenue of Trees.

The event sees the various groups designing themed Christmas trees to be donated to local families or auctioned off to fund local health and wellness initiatives.

Like most other annual events, the pandemic played a role in how this year's Avenue of Trees was approached.

The biggest obstacle SRHT had to face was the location.

For the last eight years, the event was held at the Okotoks Recreation Centre, but due to pandemic measures, that wasn't an option this time.

Executive Director Andrea Mitchell says after an initial scramble to determine a new venue, they were able to find a location that was able to accommodate their needs, being Best Western Plus.

"That was a huge roadblock for us, to kind of reimagine what Avenue of Trees could look like for us, but Best Western Plus has been such a wonderful partner for us, They've been so gracious in giving us their lobby, the breakfast room, and Santa Room."

She says they also had to refine their planning process so that designers arrived at the venue at different times, ensuring plenty of distance between groups.

30 trees are on display this year, just a few less than in 2019.

Mitchell says it's a great turnout, considering the circumstances.

"We had, I think 32 last year. We usually like to stay under 35 really for space, so it kind of worked out this year. We're really happy with the [30,] especially with where we are this year. Lots of businesses are having their own challenges, so we're really thankful that lots of organizations, community groups, and businesses stepped forward this year."

Among the 30 trees, a few designers seem to have offered different takes on the same theme.

Four trees take on the theme of 2020 by recognizing the year's hardships, celebrating the notion of leaving it behind us or welcoming a brand new year.

Mitchell says a few other seemingly random themes are also present.

"This is my 9th year, and we've never had a pirate tree this year, and this year we have two pirate trees! Maybe pirates are a theme this year. Then we actually have three trees in flower scenes that actually have flowers as their decor. One's sunflowers, one's poinsettias, and one is a variety of spring flowers. It's interesting to see how people's minds work, and this year a couple different themes have emerged."

She says a fair few newcomers threw their hats into the ring this year.

"We have the Okotoks Optimist Club, and they're really excited to be a new tree this year. It's a really gorgeous tree full of flowers and it has beautiful little deer underneath. Another standout in the new tree category for us is the Okotoks Montessori Preschool. All their staff and support staff made all the ornaments on it, and it's the cutest little tree."

Residents are invited to participate in the "fan favourite" vote on SRHT's Facebook and Instagram pages, or by voting in-person with ballots at the hotel.

10 of the trees were selected as "Trees of Hope," to be donated to local families, and the remaining 20 are to be auctioned off.

To view the auction page, click here.