Now in its lucky 13th season, Rotary Winter Wonderland is set to dazzle with over 1.5 million LED lights at Wildwood Park.
The latest season debuts Friday, November 23 from 5-9 p.m. with the option to walk or drive through the park. As always, admission is a free-will donation of unexpired food items or cash that will provide much-needed assistance to 29 food pantries in and around the Marshfield area.
“Usually our goal is between 40-50,000 items each year,” said Danielle Nystrom, Event Chair.
Last year, Rotary Winter Wonderland collected 52,400 food donations and $74,600 in cash donations. Since its start in 2006, 560,000 food items have been donated to local pantries.
Over 1,000 volunteers helped set up the lights on Saturdays in November, and around fifty-five organizations have already signed up to help with food collection near the entrances.
“Thank you to everyone who’s been involved, and will continue to be involved,” said Nystrom.
Visitors can expect the usual changes to the set-up, particularly the central section of the park, with animated lights programmed by Marshfield High School students.
In anticipation of heavy traffic, a 4-way stop sign is installed by the City at the intersection of W. 17th St. and Adams Ave, and signage will direct drivers down an alternate route using W. 14th St. to Adams.
“Most traffic tends to come down Central Avenue to Roddis Avenue, and then west on 17th Street to the park entrance,” said Daniel Knoeck, Director of Public Works. “The alternate route gets you to the same spot but usually has a shorter line.”
Gingerbread Jamz was a successful addition to Rotary Winter Wonderland last year, bringing in local musicians several nights a week to play at the Gingerbread House. “It seemed to have been a really good addition to the park,” said Nystrom. “There are a lot of kids and families who would stay for some time during the time they were playing.”
This season, Gingerbread Jamz will feature musicians Wednesdays through Sundays from 6-8 p.m. The lineup can be found here.
Other events include the chance to see Santa every night from 6-8 p.m. at the Gingerbread House. On Friday, December 7, all who visit Santa will receive a complimentary 4×6 photo. On Saturday nights, horse-drawn rides are first-come, first-serve from 6-8 p.m.
Ultimately, the success of the project in fulfilling its mission depends on visitors.
“We always remind people that it’s free admission,” said Nystrom, “but we ask to keep our mission in mind – to feed the hungry of the Marshfield area and surrounding communities.”
Visit Rotary Winter Wonderland every night until December 31.
