Winter Wonderfest lowers prices to boost community support
Winter Wonderfest, produced by the nonprofit organization Festival of Cheer, announced a permanent ticket price reduction for its 2022 Light Spectacular that continues nightly from 5 to 10 p.m., through Saturday, Dec. 31, at Hudson Fields in Milton.
Pricing is $15 per vehicle Monday to Wednesday, through Dec. 21, and $20 per vehicle, Thursday to Sunday, and for the remainder of the season Monday, Dec. 26, through Dec. 31.
Wagon ride pricing is $10 per person.
Military discounts will be honored at the gate with a price of $3 per vehicle.
Tickets are available at the gate and online at wonderfestde.org.
Event Director Peter Briccotto said, “In 2015, an optimistic fundraising professional had a crazy vision to bring more holiday spirit to the Delaware beaches. That youthful 26 year old was me! My goodness, how things have evolved in our region since the initial concept meetings of Wonderfest.”
From the beginning, Briccotto said he felt Wonderfest could work in this region because communities would rally behind belief that Christmas is not about what one gets, but what one can give.
“We would all drive through these glowing lights feeling blessed to be cozied up with our loved ones. We collectively could reflect on this simple gift of driving through the show knowing it was supporting community members who are not as fortunate,” Briccotto said. “I hope that this community can once again show their generosity to our nonprofit.”
Wonderfest has reached a very critical point of need, as attendance from Sussex County residents has tremendously decreased this year, and local guests typical account for about 50% of annual ticket sales.
“As a small nonprofit, we have certainly had our ebbs and flows. Through all of our challenges, what enabled us to continue illuminating our field of Christmas dreams was the level of support, one car at a time. So many local families contributed,” Briccotto said.
Over the past several years Winter Wonderfest obtained an ice rink, tripled the size of the Light Spectacular display, and experienced explosive and barely manageable growth, not to mention challenges of the pandemic. “Giving away over $250,000 to numerous local nonprofits, we’ve delivered on the promise to creating a beautiful family tradition and help many nonprofits who serve those most in need in our own backyard,” he said.
“We are thrilled that Wonderfest has inspired a massive insurgence in Delaware and Sussex County of holiday events, many of them with aspects that are free of charge. We commend many of these efforts for creating a huge profit boost for local companies,” Briccotto said. “I believed the heart of community would do both: support major corporate events which help businesses thrive - and support our community-built light show which uses 100% of its proceeds to support charitable efforts.”
Wonderfest is not backed by a major corporate marketing budget and cannot open its gates for free. Annually, it costs about $195,000 to produce the event, counting display rentals, power cable rentals, land lease expenses and storage costs. Sponsorship only covers about 40% of the costs.
“The heart of Wonderfest’s success is how many generous visitors drive through our show and make a difference one car at a time. Reducing our ticket prices was not an easy decision. It could further limit our resources to support other nonprofits. However, if it can ignite your generosity to keep the Light Spectacular glowing, it was the right decision. We appreciate the understanding and generosity for all of you who have already attended,” Briccotto said.
“I believe we have given you a beautiful Light Spectacular that’s worth every penny. We appreciate all of you who take the time to celebrate the true reason for the season. As a mom and pop nonprofit we survive year by year, day by day, and car by car. We need to see your car on the trail at Hudson Fields to keep Wonderfest glowing,” said Briccotto.
