Winter Festival brings holiday cheer

MEDICAL LAKE – The annual Winter Festival is set for noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 14 downtown, offering a day of festive activities for the whole community.

This year's event introduces new features, Festival Director Kylie Stein said.

"We're adding a tree sale, chainsaw carving at Sun West Automotives, pony rides, and an expanded Elf Village with more houses," Stein said.

Last year, the Elf Village had only two houses due to damage caused by fire.

"Thanks to dedicated volunteers, we've rebuilt and now have five houses," Stein said.

The village includes a church, a firehouse, a Grinch house, a reindeer barn and a bakery.

"The firehouse symbolizes protection, which felt especially meaningful after last year's challenges," she added.

This year's festival promises a renewed spirit of celebration.

Highlights of the day include a Christmas Market at Cela's Creative Learning Academy parking lot, 111 N. LeFevre St.

At 1 p.m., the 2024 Stocking Stuffer 5K race will kick off, with prizes awarded for the first top finishers, as well as the best costume.

Children can enjoy pony rides in front of the Pizza Factory, face painting inside the restaurant, and a parade at 4:30 p.m.

The festivities will culminate in a tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. at Coney Island Park, featuring Mayor Teri Cooper dressed as Mrs. Claus and her husband as Santa Claus, joined by the Grinch. As the tree lights up, fireworks will illuminate the sky.

Earlier in the day, from 1-4:15 p.m., the Claus couple will be at City Hall for a cookie meet-and-greet. Wyldlife helped bake cookies with Mrs. Claus.

Event-goers can also participate in a scavenger hunt, searching for hidden cardinals in local businesses for a chance to win prizes.

After the downtown activities, families can embark on a self-guided tour of festively

decorated homes.

"I'm thrilled about this year's festival and the joy it brings to our town," Stein said. "It's been an incredible experience working on this project, and I'm grateful to be a part of it.

"Make plans to join in the celebration and experience the magic of Medical Lake's Winter Festival."