WinterFest returns stronger than ever to downtown Lancaster for 10th anniversary
LANCASTER — Saturday was the first WinterFest for the Kline family and the first since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
Amy and Josh Kline brought their daughters to the fest not knowing what to expect but had their expectations surpassed "way beyond" what they had imagined.
The fest kicked off at noon and ran until 6 p.m. Local businesses in Lancaster's downtown hosted holiday-themed activities, like decorating ornaments at O'Huid's Gaelic Pub or the Christmas-themed photo booth at Downtown Fruit Passion.
Organized by Destination Downtown Lancaster, this was the 10th annual WinterFest and Tree Lighting. DDL Executive Director Amanda Everitt said Saturday's turnout was probably the best the event has had for many of the previous years.
"It was great to see everyone here celebrating a Lancaster tradition. I think people missed celebrating the holidays, plus the nice weather really helped, too. We were fortunate to be able to hold many events outside, so anyone concerned with social distancing might feel more comfortable," she said. "The businesses downtown were very excited for the event to return. They're used to the events we hold throughout the year, plus it's nice to come together and help the community celebrate."
The Kline family said they had enjoyed the fest.
"We really weren't sure what there was going to be, but we definitely had a good time. There was more to do than we thought, and we're planning on making this a new tradition," Amy Kline said.
For fest-first timers Lucy Perkins and her mother, Caroline Roscoe, competing in the scavenger hunt activity was a big draw. Contestants could visit downtown businesses and search for a small Santa Claus figurine. If they found five, they were entered into a drawing for a downtown gift card.
"We love Christmas time, and seeing the city's downtown come along with all the decorations is really cool. Plus, because we're in the middle of moving, so seeing all the Christmas trees decorated is a good way to fill that holiday spirit," she said. "And to help celebrate the 10th annual tree lighting, we're asking David Uhl and his family to light the tree. Ten years ago, he was the director of DDL, so it seemed fitting to honor him for getting this tradition on its feet."
The Lancaster Mens Chorus performed before the tree lighting ceremony. Everitt addressed the hundreds of people in attendance, thanking them for making the day special, and thanking the businesses and donors who made the event possible.
"The downtown is for everyone. The more partners we have helping with these events, the more successful we'll be, and the more we can serve the community. It helps us remember who we are, as Lancasterians," Everitt said. "Places shape who we are, and we shape the places we're in. It's important to have a place to celebrate community and our history, together, and that's what makes WinterFest special."
Barrett Lawlis is a news reporter for the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. Contact him at 740-681-4342 or via email at blawlis@gannett.com for comments or story tips. Follow him on Twitter @BarrettLawlis
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Hundreds attend WinterFest, first since the COVID-19 pandemic
