Winter Wonderfest Light Spectacular opens Nov. 19
It's been a week of countless man (and woman) hours from sunrise to dusk. A crew of installers from Florida's Brandano Lighting Company and an army of dedicated local volunteers worked with one mission: To light up the night sky with dazzling holiday displays unlike anything ever seen at Delaware's Cape Henlopen State Park.
"When we hit the switch, the spectacular lights will welcome almost 2,000 first-time visitors at the starting line for Dashing Through The Show," says Peter Briccotto, producer for Winter Wonderfest. He's referring to the community fun run and walk sponsored by Beebe Healthcare to kickoff Winter Wonderfest's Light Spectacular. The fun run is 3.2 miles, and is not a timed race, nor is the walk, which is 1.5 miles in length. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., and the event begins at 6 p.m. The park gates will close to traffic at 5:45 p.m. for the safety of participants. A post-event party will be hosted inside Cape Henlopen State Park for everyone taking part.
"All the participants win the same prize – a chance to be up close with the more than 60 amazing displays. Definitely a selfie camera moment!" says Briccotto. The event is organized by Festival of Cheer Inc., a nonprofit organization led by Sussex County business leaders. When Light Spectacular opens to the public Saturday, Nov. 19, visitors will be able to view the dramatic, whimsical displays from inside their vehicle during the 2-mile drive through in the park. Briccotto says that many of the installations are animated. "It's a carload of fun, so go slow and enjoy the show!" he said.
"Our goal is help residents and visitors build lasting holiday memories here at the Delaware beaches," said Josh Grapski, Winter Wonderfest spokesperson. "Fundraising from our many holiday activities will be designated to provide philanthropic support for four types of needs here in Sussex County: Health, education, culture and the environment.
"The money we raise in Sussex County stays here," adds Grapski who is managing partner for La Vida Hospitality, one of the two presenting sponsors along with Schell Brothers.
The following weekend, Winter Wonderfest will debut its Christmas Village at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, just over a mile from the state park. "Parking at the ferry lot is free, and there is no gate fee to enter the village. There's a giant Ferris wheel among the carnival rides in the village. It's ideal for a family night out with a revolutionary i-Rink for skaters, plus live entertainment every night. Enjoy hot chocolate and s'mores roasting over a toasty fire pit. Local charities will be able to utilize the village's Giving Tree to help raise awareness and funding for for their own organizations."
More family fun for age 1 and up is happening at Santa's Workshop, hosted by Cape Henlopen Education Foundation. "It's a great way for families and friends to make memories they'll remember forever," says CHEF's workshop organizer Alyssa Titus. "Yes, Santa will be here, so be sure to bring your wishlist!"
Briccotto says the interest in Winter Wonderfest is overwhelmingly positive. "People from all over the state, in addition to southern Delaware are enthusiastic about both the Christmas Village at the ferry and the Light Spectacular in Cape Henlopen State Park," he said. "We now have over 4,000 'Likes' on Facebook, and we haven't even opened yet!"
"We're encouraging people to get their tickets in advance to save time, and money," says Briccotto. The various Christmas Village activities require a different amount of tickets, but admission into the Christmas Village is free. Tickets for the Light Spectacular may also be purchased in advance. Visitors will also save 25 percent off admission when purchasing their tickets online.
"It's definitely the beginning of a bright new future for our community," said Grapski. "Everyday my kids ask me when we will be going!"
Both events will run through New Year's day. Light Spectacular and Christmas Village schedules and ticket details are listed online at www.Wonderfestde.org.
