Winter Wonderfest Kick-Off Party open to entire community Sept. 22

"Winter Wonderfest in Lewes is up and running!" says Peter Briccotto. "And we welcome everyone in the community to be among the first to inaugurate and participate in this fantastic holiday event."

Briccotto, the producer of Winter Wonderfest, is referring to the just-announced Light Spectacular, which will illuminate a 2.5-mile car tour of Cape Henlopen State Park. The event kicks off with Dashing thru the Show, a 5K Fun Run and 2-mile walk through the illuminated park Nov. 18. The Light Spectacular show will continue through the holiday season.

Then, on Nov. 25, Briccotto and nonprofit Festival of Cheer Inc. will host a community grand opening of the Christmas Village Winter Carnival at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal. "One of our goals is to give Sussex County families and visitors the opportunity to create lasting holiday memories for their families," notes Briccotto. "Yes, there will be a full-scale ferris wheel among the carnival rides!"

Crooked Hammock, one of the Winter Wonderfest sponsors, is hosting a get-together Kick-Off Party for the entire community from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 22. Josh Grapski, spokesperson for Festival of Cheer explains that the gathering will be an opportunity for Sussex residents and business people to learn all about the many family-friendly aspects of Winter Wonderfest, as well as sponsorship opportunities to promote local shops, restaurants, hotels and other businesses that depend on the holiday season.

"Without a doubt, Winter Wonderfest will have a positive effect on bringing visitors to this area," he says. Grapski, a managing partner of La Vida Hospitality Group, has pledged his company's support as a co-presenting sponsor, along with Chris Schell, CEO of Schell Brothers. "We have designed this community-driven event to benefit a variety of charitable efforts throughout Sussex County," adds Schell.

The Thursday, Sept. 22 Winter Wonderfest Kick-Off party is an opportunity to learn about the many aspects of the Light Spectacular and the Christmas Village Winter Carnival. It's an open invitation to encourage the community to be among the first to become holiday volunteers. "You can donate as little or as much time as you like," says Briccotto, who notes that Winter Wonderfest will run until New Year's Day night. "We will need 20 volunteers each night," he adds. "People can serve as route guides for the light show, cashiers, skate rental attendants ... just a few of the many volunteer roles available for anyone age 16 and up."

Winter Wonderfest is also inviting performance groups to take part in this first project of its kind in Lewes. A variety of volunteer groups are encouraged to showcase their talents. Musical choirs, entertainers for kids, dance troupes and bands are invited to be among the entertainment. Briccotto notes that all are on a volunteer basis, and this is also an excellent way to increase visibility within the community. "Join us at the Kick-Off party on Thursday, Sept. 22 and find out how you can be a part of this," he adds.

“The Kick-Off Party will give local business owners a chance to discover the variety of sponsorship levels now available," says Grapski. Media partners will ensure that Winter Wonderfest will have exposure throughout Delaware, as well as encouraging out-of-state visitors. "So mark your calendar for Sept. 22 and bring your friends - complimentary bites from the Crooked Hammock kitchen will also be served, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.”

Winter Wonderfest Holiday Schedule

Community Kick-Off Party at Crooked Hammock Thursday, Sept. 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Dashing thru the Show 5K Fun Run & Walk, Cape Henlopen State Park Friday, Nov. 18. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.; 5K starts at 6 p.m.

Light Spectacular light show; park gates open 5 p.m.

Light Spectacular car tours at Cape Henlopen State Park begin Saturday, Nov. 19. Gate opens 5 p.m. for all tours.
Thanksgiving weekend Light Spectacular dates: Thursday, Nov. 24- Sunday, Nov. 27
December weekends, Thursday thru Sunday. Dec. 1-4; Dec. 8-11; Dec. 15-18.
Every day, Dec. 22 thru Jan. 1 including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Admission to Light Spectacular is $15 for cars, $30 for vans, and $50 for busses. Single vehicle tickets will be available online beginning in October. Discounts are available in advance for groups bringing multiple vehicles. More information is available at www.Wonderfestde.org.

Christmas Village Winter Carnival at Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal; opening weekend for Christmas Village Winter Carnival is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25 and 26.

The Christmas Village Winter Carnival runs Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9-10, Dec. 16-17, and Friday, Dec. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 1, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

"We're reminding everyone not to miss the annual Christmas parade in downtown Lewes, on Saturday, Dec. 3rd," says Briccotto. "We'll be joining the festivities with a special Winter Wonderfest parade float. It's a perfect weekend to get into the Christmas spirit with downtown eating and shopping, seeing friends, house tours, and tree displays!" he adds.

For more information about Winter Wonderfest go to www.Wonderfestde.org.