PHOTO PRIOVIDED An example of a Yule Log is shown. This year’s WinterFest is introducing a new challenge to “Summon the Yule Log.”

The term “Yule” is derived from a word which refers to a midwinter festival celebrated by the Germanic peoples. So, ring in this festive holiday season and come to WinterFest 2024 and experience the newest event challenge “Summon the Yule Log” which is pictured here.

Feel the holiday magic at this third-annual community event on Sunday, Dec. 1, from 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. in the center of town on East Main Street in Loganton. This event is sponsored by the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School. The public is invited to this free event to experience the magic of the holidays. The festival is all about spreading holiday cheer, gathering the community together, family time, embracing old friendships, creating new friendships and having a jolly good time.

Santa Claus and his helper will be arriving from the North Pole in the Sugar Valley Community Fire Company truck around 3 p.m. Santa will be greeting youngsters in his hut during the festivities.

The event will also feature live reindeer, horse drawn sleigh rides and horse drawn wagon rides from 3-5 p.m., weather permitting. Letter writing to Santa and placing in Santa’s mailbox, crafts, games, balloons, free books, story time, card making and Christmas decorations will also be features of the event. Local organizations will be serving free goodies: hot cocoa, coffee, cookies, donuts, baked goods, hot dogs, soup and popcorn!

Hear the tunes of the Sugar Valley Community Band from 3-4 p.m., the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School Band from 4 to 4:30 p.m. and the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School Chorus from 4:30 to 5 p.m.

Last, but not least, is “Summon the Yule Log.” The tradition of the Yule log dates to ancient times. It was originally a specially selected piece of wood ceremoniously brought into the home to mark the Winter Solstice — the shortest day and the longest night of the year.

Despite changing times and cultures, the tradition of the Yule log persists in various forms. In some cultures, it can be a large log traditionally burned in the fireplace on Christmas Eve or defined as a log-shaped chocolate cake enjoyed as a Christmas dessert. For others, it is finding the Yule log at a midwinter festival.

Young and older folks may participate in our newest event challenge. The game will be announced at 4 p.m. The first person to find it will win a homemade log-shaped chocolate cake. The Yule log remains a symbol of holiday cheer and a link to our shared past.

The community businesses and organizations were once again very supportive to help make WinterFest 2024 become a magical afternoon. See for yourself and head down to Loganton and experience a festive adventure on Sunday.