Ribbon-cutting ceremony held for Winter Wonderfest

Officials from the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted an official ribbon cutting Dec. 1 to welcome Winter Wonderfest to Sussex County. The organization, along with the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, is among the 60 sponsors of this first-year event created by Festival of Cheer Inc. to provide philanthropic support for nonprofits throughout Sussex County.

Some 2,000 participants came to preview the Winter Wonderfest Light Spectacular holiday light show at Cape Henlopen State Park Nov. 18. The preview event, a 5K fun run and walk, gave supporters an opportunity to see the dozens of unique holiday light displays which are now part of a 2-mile drive-through tour and fundraising event.

Since the Nov. 19 opening, Winter Wonderfest has already welcomed over 15,000 guests to this unique community experience.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the Christmas Village, also part of Winter Wonderfest and located at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal. Visitors enjoy a variety of family-fun events including carnival rides, outdoor skating, live entertainment, an open fire pit for toasting s'mores, plus a community giving tree for other local nonprofits' fundraising. Giving tree ornaments paying tribute to loved ones will be on display throughout the holidays for as little as $5.

Visitors can warm up by the fire pit and toast some s'mores after going on the Christmas Village carnival rides. The Rockin' Tug, the Buzz Planes, and the Ferris Wheel are just part of the fun! Hop on board! Just 3 tickets is all it takes to ride The Rockin' Tug. Ride tickets are available at the Christmas Village entrance. Winter Wonderfest X-tra Value Packs make it even more affordable. Proceeds from ticket sales help create grants to benefit nonprofit groups throughout Sussex County, as do proceeds from admission to the Light Spectacular.

Although the kids are flocking to the carnival rides, it's clear to everyone that even the adults are getting in on the fun. A variety of talented performers can be seen on the Winter Wonderfest stage every Friday and Saturday. One-of-a-kind gifts can be purchased at Winter Wonderfest. Beautiful crafts from local artists make thoughtful holiday gifts.

Indoors at the ferry terminal, Santa's Workshop provides a variety of hands-on classes for kids and adults. Winter Wonderfest visitors can see the 2-story indoor tree and take part in Santa's Hands-on Workshop to make their own holiday keepsake crafts.

"In addition to the fundraising, our goal is to provide family and friends a new tradition where they can make lasting memories here at the Delaware beaches," says Peter Briccotto, producer for Winter Wonderfest, whose presenting sponsors are La Vida Hospitality Group and Schell Brothers. "We're not the biggest, at least not yet. But our amazing community of organizers, sponsors and volunteers are all doing their very best to help build a brighter future for Sussex County." Briccotto notes that plans are already underway for the 2017 Winter Wonderfest next year. "We're definitely growing," he says.

Winter Wonderfest runs through Sunday, Jan. 1. For more information, go to www.wonderfestde.org.