Winterfest is Coming

Winterfest

isCOMING

By Elizabeth Rexing, Print Editor, with additional reporting by Sarah Maniscalo, Photography Editor

Winterfest will take place from Dec. 10 to Jan. 2 at Mulberry Fields Park, a central location close to the classic Zionsville sledding hill. The event will feature an ice-skating rink, food vendors, live reindeer, and more. According to Jarod Logsdon, Superintendent of Zionsville’s Parks and Recreation, Winterfest will feature guest appearances and events for all ages. Logsdon is excited for the Halloween skate, where festival goers are encouraged to dress in their best costume. A silent disco is planned for Dec. 16. Each participant will receive a pair of headphones that play music “synced” with everyone else. “Winterfest is going to transform into a silent dance party, complete with glow sticks, lights, and your choice to skate to the music or bust a move on solid ground,” Logsdon said. Skating rink admission is $12 and skate rental is $2. Tickets will be sold on site. There will also be a limited number of season passes that will include unlimited access to the skating rink and skate rentals. More information can be found at zionsville-in.gov under the “Community” tab labeled “Winterfest.” Winterfest came about as a result of a survey that polled Zionsville residents on how the Parks Department could better engage the community. According to Logsdon, the most common answer was “the creation and addition of more large community events.” “We chose this as our inaugural community event to both celebrate the holidays and provide recreational opportunities when the weather limits what we can do outside,” Logsdon said. “Zionsville’s Winterfest will be a unique experience in town, and complement the other activities and celebrations in the area.” Logsdon said Winterfest will be paid for by cash reserves from Zionsville’s Park and Rec Department. The money brought in from the festival will go to replace those reserves and will be used to fund other community events throughout the year. Logsdon also said community sponsors also “contributed to making the event possible.” Zionsville residents may be familiar with a similar event hosted in Carmel, the Christkindlmarkt. Many have skated and enjoyed the holiday atmosphere at the European-inspired market. Hailey McAtee, senior, has been to the Christkindlmarkt several times to skate and enjoy hot chocolate with friends. “The vibes were immaculate,” McAtee said. “It really embodied the feeling of Christmas.” McAtee plans on visiting Winterfest and is

“Zionsville’s Winterfest will be a unique experience in town, and complement the other activities and celebrations in the area.” - Jarod Logsdon

graphics provided by Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department

“With the pandemic during the last couple of years, I think this will be a great opportunity for kids to get back to having fun and socializing with their friends.” - Carrie Sailer

“excited to see what Zionsville’s Winterfest will offer.” Community member and mother of three, Carrie Sailer, is excited for the “Christmas lights, hot chocolate, and music.” Additionally, Sailer sees the festival as a way for her kids to enjoy the holiday season. “I especially think the middle and high schoolers will enjoy the time away from a school setting to really enjoy hanging out with their friends, especially when most people are inside during this time of year,” Sailer said. “With the pandemic during the last couple of years, I think this will be a great opportunity for kids to get back to having fun and socializing with their friends.” While also providing holiday cheer to individuals, Sailer sees Winterfest as an opportunity to build relationships among residents. “I think it’s important for Zionsville to host community events because it keeps us connected like a small town, even as we are growing,” Sailer said. “It’s always fun to see people getting together and having a great time while supporting the community and helping out local business owners.” Logsdon is ready for the community to see the month-long spectacle Zionsville has prepared. The event really grew from a “dream into a reality,” he said. Sailer is hopeful the event will be a success and become an annual staple in Zionsville’s winter season. “I think the event will be a great way to connect as a family and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays,” Sailer said. “I think it will be a way to relax and enjoy some time together without the stress of the endless to-do lists, and to remind us that the best gift is spending time with loved ones.”