In last days Winter Wonderfest continues to build a brighter future for Sussex

It's been just six weeks since more than 2,000 people crossed over the finish line to kick-off Winter Wonderfest. The Nov. 18 Fun Run & Walk at Cape Henlopen State Park was a sell-out, and Winter Wonderfest has continued to attract thousands more throughout the holiday season.

Since that time more than 45,000 visitors have been building holiday memories with their families and friends at Winter Wonderfest's many activities, while organizers celebrate exceeding their first-year fundraising expectations.

"In just four weeks we achieved our initial goal of raising $50,000 for Sussex County charities. And now with just a couple of days before closing we've already raised over $65,000," says spokesperson Josh Grapski. His company, La Vida Hospitality, along with Schell Brothers, are the presenting sponsors of this first-year charitable initiative which includes over 60 community businesses and individuals as official sponsors.

What accounts for such robust support? "There's nothing like Winter Wonderfest here in Sussex County," says Betsy Reamer, executive director of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. "Our community embraces its many benefits - from bringing residents and visitors together for lasting memories at the Delaware beaches, to the much-needed charitable support for so many worthy causes. People appreciate that proceeds from Winter Wonderfest stay right here in Sussex Country," she adds.

"The attendance for this first year effort is unprecedented," says John Brandano, president of Brandano Displays, and designer of the dazzling holiday Light Spectacular tour at Cape Henlopen State Park. Brandano, who has created holiday shows throughout the country, credits the people of the Sussex community for so much of the first-year success.

"I've never seen such wonderful engagement and enthusiasm as you have here. Organizers, volunteers, generous sponsors, even government officials - all coming together to make this a reality for their community."

So what's next for this innovative project after this year? "Next year has already begun!" says the enthusiastic Peter Briccotto, executive producer for Winter Wonderfest. "We didn't set out to be the biggest holiday venue in our first year.

“But now we're poised to become bigger and brighter each year. Our goal is to build a brighter future for Sussex, and what we've learned this year will enable us to bring many more years of enjoyment for our supporters!" he adds.

But right now, Festival of Cheer Inc., the organizers for Winter Wonderfest, are focused on making the final days memorable for everyone who joins the fun, including New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. "We're open!" says Grapski.  "Every time you take the Light Spectacular two-mile tour, it seems like there's always something new to see."

"And what's not love about seeing the sparkling night lights of Lewes from high atop our Christmas Village Ferris Wheel!" adds Briccotto. Ground lovers will also enjoy the other carnival rides, an open fire pit for s'mores, the I-Rink for skating, live entertainment, plus the Santa Workshops inside the ferry terminal."

The Christmas Village Giving Tree also offers personalized ornaments for loved ones to support these beloved charities this final weekend: Autism Delaware and Children's Beach House, Friday, Dec. 30, and Meals on Wheels, Saturday, Dec. 31.

The giving doesn't stop with the end of Christmas!" adds Briccotto, noting that donations have already begun, including Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation - C.H.E.F. ($3,000) and Delaware State Parks ($10,000), Very soon they will be announcing their Philanthropic Grant Program. Any Sussex Country nonprofit charity will be eligible to apply. It's a mission of building a brighter future for Sussex County. "It's what we do!" says Briccotto. 
For more information go to www.wonderfestde.org.