WinterFest, Bethel’s traditional holiday season opener, is back next Friday, November 26, after last year’s Covid hiatus. The event, which goes from 1-5:30, features food, entertainment and music, will be capped by the arrival of Santa Claus.
Beginning at 1, families can line up for the horse-drawn wagon in front of the Gift Cottage on Greenwood. They will be assisted on and off the wagon by members of the Junior ROTC, until the last ride at 5. Music will be provided by DJ Eric Toner. Members of Bethel High School Theater Boosters, in costume, will be present to promote their upcoming production of A Christmas Carol.
Soup from various Bethel restaurants (“thank you” to Kris Zajac from Alice’s Flower Shop for arranging for the soup donations) will be served by members of Cub Scout Pack 156 in front of the Gift Cottage, as well as at P.T. Barnum Square. There will be hot cocoa stations and, for munching, s’mores served by Board members of the Chamber of Commerce. At 2, Varrano’s Bakery will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a ribbon cutting and sweets.
From 5-5:30, just before the Tree Lighting in P.T. Barnum Square, the Bethel High School Chamber Singers will perform seasonal favorites. Santa will then swing by the Square, in a fire truck from the South Street Fire Station, and head to the Municipal Center Gazebo (decorated by the Bethel Garden Club) for visits with the children.
According to Pat Rist, who is organizing the event, “We are fortunate to have so many local businesses come forward to sponsor WinterFest. It’s a great day for the Bethel community and its families.”
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