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Second annual event brings chilly cheer to Loganton

By Amber Morris For The Express 5 min read

In Bing Crosby’s classic song, “White Christmas,” he dreams of going to a place where the tree tops glisten, and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow. Perhaps his visions were of his home, and a small village where people are good, and time moves slow.

His song brings with it feelings of yesteryear, and an almost unattainable innocence that seems to barely exist in today’s hectic world.

Yet it does exist, and especially this past Sunday in the small Southern Clinton County town of Loganton, where the second annual WinterFest took place centrally at the intersection of Main and Mill Streets on the property of Earl’s Garage.

Even though there was no snow, the event was pretty close to what Bing and his fellow crooners sing about every year at this time, and the beautiful nostalgia that comes with it.

White lights were strung from end to end of the lot, casting a beautiful glow from above, and seasonal music from both the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School Band, and the Sugar Valley Community Band provided the perfect backdrop for the afternoon.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus arrived in style in a Sugar Valley Fire Company engine truck, with Santa on top of the truck and Mrs. Claus in the cab. After waving to the crowd, the couple promptly made their way to their little hut where they greeted children, patiently listenening to every wish whispered. According to Mrs. Claus over 175 kids came to see them.

One of the biggest highlights of WinterFest was the two reindeer, named Vixen and Star who were posted outside of Santa’s hut. In true reindeer fashion, the caribou duo stood guard the entire time, posing for photos and accepting head pats from anyone wishing to meet them.

Nearby the reindeer, an antique sleigh was set up and decorated in greenery, providing the perfect setting for family photos.

A giant gingerbread person, and two reindeer characters from the SVRCS National Honor Society mingled through the crowd, joking around, adding extra holiday cheer to the festival.

Guests were encouraged to participate in the town decorating contest by walking through Loganton to participating properties, and then picking their favorite. According to organizers, there were 12 entries in this year’s contest. Kathy and Jim Miller’s decorations at the corner of North Mill and West Anthony Street took home the top prize for the second year in a row.

Everything, including the food and crafts, at WinterFest was free and provided by community businesses, churches, and organizations from within Sugar Valley. Young people were drawn to the craft table, as well as the station for writing letters to veterans and service members, using their artistic talents to spread joy to others. Delicious treats like popcorn, hot cocoa, cookies, coffee, donuts, hot dogs, soup and hot apple cider were enjoyed by all, and helped to keep everyone warm as temperatures dropped into the thirties as the evening grew dark.

After the sun went down and darkness set in, a fire baton routine was performed by Emma Downing, followed by the lighting of the tree by Santa and Mrs. Claus. A special guest singer, Stacy Garbick, performed “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch," while the Grinch himself slinked around the crowd.

Behind the bank, adults and kids bundled in heavy coats and scarves filled the horse drawn sleigh for rides up and down South Street. The ride wasn’t just fun -- it was a beautiful sight as the sturdy Shire horses trotted through the darkness, with the moon shining on their thick coats.

Lauren Butler lives in Loganton Borough and walked to WinterFest with her two little girls, and her sister Carolyn who lives a few blocks away.

“It was such a nice event for the community. There were lots of kids there who were able to experience the magic of the holidays,” she said. “My girls loved seeing the reindeer, Santa and especially the Grinch.”

Rita Foley of Lock Haven found WinterFest by accident, and is glad she did. “My friend Robin Shadle and I were passing through Loganton on our way to Woodward and when we stopped at the intersection we saw a crowd of people, beautiful decorations and what appeared to be a winter festival,” she explained. “So we made a point to stop on our way back through. We felt like big kids again. It was a lovely surprise to find such a great event in the small town with friendly people and such a festive atmosphere! It really put us in the Christmas spirit! It was lovely and I will plan to bring my husband and some friends next year.”

Ginny Barner of Carroll took her grandkids to WinterFest and enjoyed everything the festival had to offer. “I was so happy to share the WinterFest with my grandchildren and daughter in law. The girls were so excited to see Santa, pet the reindeer and go on the wagon ride. The cookies, cocoa, and popcorn were nice treats!”

SVRCS Community Liaison Dawn Jeffries is one of the organizers of WinterFest and said the success of the festival is due to the great support of the community itself. “The WinterFest committee continues to have such amazing support from the community – both as sponsors who help provide this event for free, as well organizations coming out to serve their own community in such a wonderful way,” she explained. “The delightful smiles and laughter from those who attended made this worth it all!”

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