Despite the dearth of snow in in the Sierras – where the Enjoy Mill Valley Winterfest event has gotten its snow for several years – the event was a monumental success, drawing thousands to the Downtown Plaza to slide down a massive, 100-foot-long slide! There was also a carousel-themed bounce house, a visit from Santa in an antique fire truck, a photo booth and an array free food from the likes of Piazza D’Angelo, Balboa Cafe, El Paseo, Equator Coffees, Good Earth Natural Foods, Super Duper Burger, Three Twins Ice Cream and Urban Remedy.
As if that wasn’t enough, there was a full day of live music and performances from some amazing local arts organizations, including Performing Arts Academy of Marin, Wow! Music Studios, Singers Marin, Rita Abrams, Happy Feet Dance School, Dore Coller & the Millbillies, Roco Dance and Rock the Ages.
Oh, and Santa Claus, with help from Miss Marin County and and Clo the Cow, arrived mid-day to the delights of children of all ages, while a wide range of sponsors, including Redwood Credit Union, Chevron on Ashford Ave., Zephyr Real Estate, Bradley Real Estate, Mathnasium, Park N Fly and Kiddo delighted kids with myriad games and activities. Free bike parking courtesy Marin County Bicycle Coalition and Tam Bikes made it possible to enjoy the whole affair without looking for parking.
Winterfest also had a dedicated Holiday Donation Station where took in dozens of canned food, dry and non-perishable food for the SF-Marin Food Bank, an entire bin of unwrapped toy donations for the Toys for Tots program and the Performing Stars of Marin via the Mill Valley Fire Department and nearly 100 coats for One Warm Coat.
Local resident Josephine Rasella sold Kurt S. Adler holiday ornaments at the event, donating all $3,032 that she raised to the Community Foundation Sonoma County – Sonoma County Resilience Fund. Across the street, Famous4 retail shop owner Larry “the Hat” Lautzker once again had a truck for donations of new or gently used unwrapped toys and bicycles, as well as Target, Walgreens etc. gift cards for victims of the North Bay fires.
The fantastic event, organized by Steve Bajor’s Team Pro Event and Michelle McCarthy, all concluded with a beautiful Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring the Mill Valley City Council and Singers Marin. All photos by Gary Ferber Photography and Resplendent Photography. Thanks to all of the organizers, sponsors, restaurants, performers, volunteers and local officials who helped make this event an amazing success!