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Winter WonderFest grand opening slated for Nov. 17

Features highlighted at community kickoff party
Celebrating the kickoff of the second year of Winter WonderFest are (l-r) Peter Briccotto, executive producer of the event; Denny Huss; and Josh Grapski of La Vida Hospitality, one of the sponsors. NICK ROTH PHOTOS
Nick Roth
October 6, 2017
Peter Briccotto, executive producer of Winter WonderFest, discusses all the new features at the event this year.
Jon Snow, president of Festival of Cheer, welcomes the community to the kickoff event.
Bill Davis shows his Christmas cheer in September.
Hank Rosenberg helps sign up volunteers for the event.
Lewes was represented by Jay Reamer, Lewes Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Betsy Reamer; Lewes Mayor Ted Becker; and Josh Grapski of La Vida Hospitality.
Sponsors of Winter WonderFest gathered for a group photo at the event. Shown in front are (l-r) Kerri Schaeffer and Alisha Fletcher of Child’s Play by the Bay; Noreen Kushner, Oceanside Cleaning; Stacy Lowe, Harrington Insurance; Sean Toner, Beach Babies; DJ Hill, Lefty’s Alleys and Eats; and Josh Grapski, La Vida Hospitality. In back are Dave Hovel, program director for iHeart Radio; Susan Kehoe, Browseabout Books; Greg Kushner, Oceanside Cleaning; and Ray Bivens, Delaware State Parks director.

Winter WonderFest will be back this November for what should be a bigger and better event this holiday season. 

The popular event’s new and improved features were highlighted at the Community Kick-Off Party Sept. 21, at Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes. 

Peter Briccotto, executive producer of the event, said that the No. 1 community input was a request for more light displays.  As a result, 30 percent more holiday light displays will be added to the Light Spectacular show, which will also have a new and improved route for vehicles inside Cape Henlopen State Park.  

Thanks to Visit Delaware, the state’s tourism bureau, this year’s Winter WonderFest visitors will enjoy ice skating on real ice. A newly constructed Visit Delaware Ice Rink will debut at the ferry terminal grounds with opportunities for community programs, public sessions and private rentals. The new rink will be open Tuesdays through Sundays.

Special Dashin’ Thru The Show grand opening weekend with a fun run/walk thru the Light Spectacular show for an upclose view and plenty of selfie photo ops on Friday, Nov. 17;  Barkin’ Thru The Show Dog Walk on Saturday, Nov 18; and Peddlin' Thru The Show bicycle tour, ideal for families and groups of friends, set for Sunday, Nov. 19.

Consistent hours of operation. Same hours, same days for both the Light Spectacular at the state park and The Christmas Village at the Lewes Ferry Terminal. Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, Winter WonderFEST is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m. A special community New Year’s Eve closing party begins from 3 to 8 p.m.

Expanded Christmas Village. New midway with two new carnival rides, outdoor fire pit, nightly professional entertainment, plus local performance groups. Santa’s workshops are returning, along with St. Nick every night. Increased outdoor holiday decor and an impressive Giving Tree outposts for community charity participation.

The Lodge at the Christmas Village. A heated gathering spot on the midway for bites and adult beverages. 

New Mobile App. A free app for smart phones providing easy methods for guests to receive event information, weather updates, geotagging features, connections to sponsors’ businesses, exclusive contests and discount offers.  A customized music experience for drivers going through the Light Spectacular is also included.

Special $10 car raffle. The lucky winner will drive off in their choice of a new Ford Mustang or Jeep Wrangler, courtesy of Winter WonderFEST’s Presenting Sponsor Preston Automotive.

Advance admission to the Light Spectacular is $15 for cars, $30 for vans and $50 for busses. Gate prices are $20, $35 and $50, respectively. Single tickets became available online Sept. 22. Discounts are available in advance for groups bringing multiple vehicles.  

More information is available at wonderfestde.org.

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