Rotary Winter Wonderland Opens on Friday
What started with a group of Rotarians hoping to light up a few trees has transformed into one of Wisconsin’s best outdoor light shows. Now in its 11th year, Rotary Winter Wonderland provides assistance to 29 area food pantries (as far north as Phillips, WI) and enjoyment for visitors of all ages.
The Rotarians who started this project understood that after the holiday season, the pantries were in the most need and they wanted to build something for the community to enjoy during the Christmas season,” said Danielle Nystrom, volunteer coordinator.
For inspiration, the year before opening a group of Rotarians took a ‘behind the scenes’ tour at the Rotary Lights in La Crosse. In the year following, they devised a plan to execute a ‘smaller-scale’ display in Marshfield.
“Little did we know the impact it would make that is has to this day or the tradition that we would be a part of creating for many families throughout Central Wisconsin,” said Nystrom. “The impact the project has on Central Wisconsin is tremendous.
Donations stock the shelves of area food pantries, with any surplus in monetary donations at the end of each year also given to these pantries to assist with operations.
“Aside from helping Marshfield & the surrounding communities, this project has grown from year to year,” said Nystrom. “We add new displays, decorate more trees, and create a different experience for our guests each season.”
She added that keeping organizations and individuals motivated to volunteer is essential to maintaining the project.
“We have a board of about twelve individuals that meets once or twice a month leading up to the project and each of us have our own part of the project we work on throughout the year,” she said. “Not only has the project grown physically, but the impact we have made in Marshfield and the communities surrounding us has increased by a large volume.”
Nystrom feels the project brings the community together around the holidays and she hopes people can understand the impact $1 or a can of soup can make for others that are less fortunate.
This year, the group hopes to cross the 500,000th donation mark. Also new this year are various displays, changed arches, and a newly-colored 40-foot mega tree.
“The rest, you’ll have to come and see!” teases Nystrom.
Santa will be there for children select nights until December 23rd & there will be horse drawn wagon rides from 6-8 pm on every Saturday that they are open.
Rotary Winter Wonderland is open each night through December 31 from 5-9 PM. For other events & information search for “Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland” on Facebook or visit www.rotarywinterwonderland.com.
