The Okotoks Food Bank Christmas Concert wrapped up its 19th year this week, raising a record-breaking more than $155,000 for the local food bank.
The two-night event, held at the Okotoks Evangelical Free Church, featured a sold-out second night and drew hundreds of people from Okotoks and the surrounding area.
The final total is expected to land just above the $155,000 mark.
“That is our record, and we’ve actually managed to climb every year since the concert’s been on,” said Dacy Zacharias, team lead for the event. “The community and our sponsors have never let us down, so we’re extremely thankful for setting a new record high for 2025.”
The annual concert has grown significantly since its early years. Zacharias noted that when she joined the organizing team roughly nine years ago, the event was raising about $25,000.
“So we’re pretty proud of what we can bring to the food bank,” she said. “I know they rely on us so much, and we’re incredibly proud of the money we raise, but I don’t want to lose the importance of what the concert does beyond fundraising. Music is so connecting for people and such a big part of the community.”
This year’s lineup included both returning favourites and new performers. Among the new faces were the Leanne Lightfoot Trio, Donna and Leroy Anderson, and Mark Parsons. Returning acts included Amy Bishop, Brettyn Rose, Chase Morgan, and Dwight Forseth.
“We love bringing new performers into the mix while still keeping that familiar feeling people expect,” Zacharias said. “The Okotoks and Foothills area has an incredible amount of talent.”
The event also welcomed Logan Coutts as its new master of ceremonies.
“It’s a big job and big shoes to fill,” Zacharias said. “But he did a great job, and we were very happy to have him take that on.”
Zacharias credited the success of the concert to a dedicated team of volunteers and the ongoing support of the Okotoks Evangelical Free Church, which has hosted the event for many years.
“They have one of the best sound systems in the Foothills, and that makes a huge difference,” she said. “Artists enjoy playing here because the room sounds so good, and that really matters when people are donating their time.”
She also acknowledged the behind-the-scenes volunteers who handle sound, staging and hospitality for the musicians.
“When you’re asking people to perform for free, it’s important that they feel supported and appreciated,” she said. “We work hard to make them feel at home.”
Now in its 19th year, the Okotoks Food Bank Christmas Concert has become a holiday tradition for many local families, with some attendees returning year after year as a kickoff to the Christmas season.
“It’s the largest indoor music event in this area,” Zacharias said. “We see hundreds of people come through over the two nights, and you can really feel the connection in the room.”
For Zacharias, the concert’s continued growth is a point of pride both for the community and for those who have helped build it over the years.
“I think those who helped start this would be extremely proud of where it’s at today,” she said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s absolutely worth it.”
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