Winterfest warms up Greentown
Inaugural event raises money for Eastern Schools, showcases Greentown businesses
This article is brought to you by Comics Cubed. Looking for that last-minute gift for the geek in your life? Comics Cubed, 121 E. Sycamore St., has you covered with a huge Christmas blow-out sale on Sat., Dec. 23, from noon until 5 p.m. Take advantage of discounts up to 75 percent on back issues, current books, and a great variety of collectibles. Everything will be on sale!
Despite 54-degree temperatures, Greentown celebrated its first Winterfest, a celebration of Christmas, snowy days, and of the town's growing business and historical features downtown.
The Winterfest’s Santa Trail started at Kaiser's Sweet Home Realty office on Main Street with a visit to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Owner Andrea Kaiser, one of the event organizers and a member of the Greentown Main Street Association, was there to greet children and introduce them to Santa. Kaiser was excited about the event and was already planning for next year's Winterfest.
"I have wanted to grow this event for the last three years," said Kaiser. "Being a part of Main Street (Association) gave us the perfect opportunity to connect with businesses and make it bigger."
Mark Lantz, Greentown Main Street Association President, was on hand in front of the Greentown Glass Museum on Meridian Street, explaining the Giving Tree display to passersby. For a $5 donation an ornament with the contributor’s or loved one's name inscribed on the face could be purchased to decorate the outdoor tree for the Christmas season.
At dusk, Santa and his wife rode in on a golf cart to oversee the lighting of the Giving Tree.
The festival included lots of things to do and to eat. Down the street from Kaiser Realty, Greentown Flooring was handing out popcorn. Main Occasions Catering had hot chocolate. At Blondies Cookie Corner Party Room, children were given the opportunity to write to Santa, telling them just how good they had been in 2023.
In between the two businesses, exhibits were open at the Greentown Historical Society, and down the street, Rich Lacy from Holly's Liquors hosted the Winter Wine Trail, with Indiana vintages being served and sold.
Etta's Gooey Goodies provided a charcuterie tray made by Bites and Boards in Greentown, and Wildcat Mechanical served homemade fudge. Other businesses and organizations that participated in the event were El Patron Restaurant and the Greentown Antique Mall.