Warm Weather, New Items, and Volunteer Support Bring Above Average Attendance
After a record-breaking opening weekend, Rotary Winter Wonderland continues to see strong attendance and support.
“Our twelfth season is off to an exceptional start,” said Al Nystrom, operations and finance chair. “We packed over 400 cases of food (20,000 items) in just ten days. Cash and food donations are 70% higher than normal for this time of year.”
The holiday lights display enjoyed unseasonably warm weather the first week and a half after its opening the day after Thanksgiving, a factor which may have helped drive the extra donations.
“Warm weather has certainly been part of the story,” said Nystrom. “We hosted several thousand walkers through the park last weekend. Good travel conditions are helpful, as less than 30% of our weekend visitors are from Marshfield.”
Efforts to refresh the annual display by adding many new items have also attracted visitors.
“Our heated Gingerbread House features live music five days per week. The music series, along with events such as wagon rides and the Marshfield Clinic Santa Night, give our visitors reasons to keep coming back,” he said.
It takes the support of Rotary Winter Wonderland’s many volunteers to keep operations running smoothly.
“We appreciate the volunteers from the 70+ organizations that help us collect and distribute the food,” said Nystrom.
Those volunteers include Chairman Dale Smith and fellow Rotarians Phil Phillips and John Wing.
“These three gentlemen are in the zoo several days a week doing repair work to make sure we are at our best and brightest. They are quiet, humble leaders that have presented this gift to the Marshfield community for twelve years. We are also very grateful for the support of the zoo staff – they are gracious hosts!”
While donations have been strong, the support of visitors will continue to be essential to reach the organization’s goal of over 50,000 food items.
“If you appreciate our efforts, the best way to show it is by donating cash and food every time to visit,” said Nystrom. “Together, we will feed the hungry of the Marshfield community.”
Photo Credit: Branden Bodendorfer
