The Evesham Celebrations Foundation will be hosting the second Annual Winterfest in conjunction with the Evesham Fire Department.
Last year’s event drew approximately 400 people, according to Barry Fitzgerald, member of the ECF and organizer of Winterfestival.
“This is the first time the Evesham Celebrations Foundation is doing it this year and we’re adding it to our list of great events,” Fitzgerald said.
Not much is changing from last year’s event, Fitzgerald said.
Last year, Santa Claus made his grand entrance on one of Evesham’s fire trucks, climbed to the roof in true Santa fashion, and slid down the fireman’s pole to greet the children.
This year will be the same, Fitzgerald said.
The festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. with Santa’s arrival slated for 5 p.m., the evening will continue until 8 p.m.
A volunteer firefighter used a professional camera and with the help of his daughter last year, in an attempt to get the children to smile after families waited patiently to sit on Santa’s lap.
The biggest difference with the photos will be the versatility of obtaining a print photograph or an email with the photo file.
“The parents can pick up picture with Santa or have it emailed to them instead of putting it on the printer,” Fitzgerald said.
Craft vendors will also be on site will products and gift ideas.
Children will also have the chance to listen to Christmas stories and carol in Santa’s Story Corner provided by the Burlington County Library System.
Currently, the Evesham Celebrations Foundation is looking to possibly expand the event, though no changes were made to this year’s event.
“Next year we’re hoping to expand and close streets, but the time wasn’t there this year,” Fitzgerald said.
Free hot chocolate will be given out to guests, in addition to a food vendor, which will be selling “fried goods” like hot dogs and cheesesteaks, Fitzgerald said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the happiness in the children when they see Santa and the happiness it brings their parents,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s a great night for all ages.”
Winterfestival will be held on Friday, Dec. 6 from 4:30–8 p.m. at the Main Street firehouse.
