WinterFest was an entirely free event for all who came out, thanks to the many amazing sponsors that helped organizers tuck away another successful year.

Along with those thanks to the sponsors, the community cannot forget to share its thanks with the wonderful volunteers that made sure everyone, from young to old, could enjoy the festive activities.

To start off the festival, Santa and his right-hand elf arrived in style as they were escorted into the town square by the Sugar Valley Community Volunteer Fire Company. Santa and his elf then proceeded to his cheerfully decorated hut that was awaiting him. The children — young and old alike — lined the walkway to wait their turn to sit upon his lap and tell him their special wishes for this holiday season.

After the kids had the chance to meet with Santa, they were welcomed to write their Letter to Santa as well, since Santa’s mailbox had returned again this year, where it was waiting to receive the letters written by the community children.

LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS After making their new reindeer treats, kids and parents could visit with reindeer from Spruce Ridge Reindeer.

Each of the volunteers set up their tents and handed out food, drinks and even free books.

Many in the community came out to enjoy delicious food, like hot dogs cooked to perfection by the Sugar Valley Lion’s Club, hot chocolate and coffee to warm your hands made by Hannah Hollobaugh and friends at First National Bank, and buttery popcorn that filled the air as you continued down the street.

At the end of the walkway was the amazing selection of hot, homemade soups! Sugar Valley Concerned Citizens provided roasters full of different soups to fill the bellies of those walking around town.

And last, but certainly not least, was the donut and cookie table provided by community bakers and Nan’s Donuts.

While the weather may have been chilly, the winter drizzles held off long enough for families and friends to enjoy a carriage ride below the First National Bank where two of the most beautiful black Percherons from Spring Mount Percherons were pulling a lovely white carriage led by owner, David Hershey, and two stunning gray Percherons from Running Springs Farm were pulling a wonderfully decorated carriage led by owners Les and Karen Montford.

LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Many families had the chance to feel as though they were living in a Hallmark movie with the beautifully decorated horse drawn carriage provided by Running Springs Farm LTD.

Many families lined up to take a ride on the horse drawn carriage to take a stroll back in time as the carriages carried them down South Street and back again before hopping out of the carriage and heading back for a warm drink.

For those that might have been a little too old for Santa, there were many musical groups that came out to fill the street with the sound of holiday music as you walked through their “town square,” including Sugar Valley Community Band and Choir and the SVRCS band and choir.

If you find yourself looking for fun, family-friendly activities, keep your eyes open for next year’s Winterfest.

Putting on an event like this takes tons of planning and lots of financial support from many sponsors.

This year, Sugar Valley Rural Charter School and the community would like to thank the following sponsors for generosity and allowing the community to enjoy the festivities: Sugar Valley Concerned Citizens (SVCC), Hawksworth Trucking and Carroll Alignment, Twilight Diner, Nicholas Meat, LCC, The Hair Chalet, Teressa E. Miller, L.M.T, Inn Style Salon, First National Bank, Earl’s Garage, Schrack’s Valley Service, Loganton Borough, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. John’s Evangelical Church, SV Community Fire Co Ladies Auxiliary, Turf Master’s, Robert and Janice Weaver of Weaver Tree Farm, Schrack Farms, Jim and Lisa Harbach, Nan’s Donuts, Gedon Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, LLC, R&S Miller Trucking LLC, Whitetail Construction LLC, Rusty Ole Rentals – Shaun and Renee Raudabaugh, Sugar Valley Community Volunteer Fire Company, Sugar Valley Volunteer Fire Police, SVRCS staff and students and our wonderful cookie bakers.

LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Another gorgeous horse drawn carriage, provided by David Hershey and Spring Mount Percherons, was also available for rides.

Thank you to Dawn Jefferies and everyone else that has helped spread the holiday spirit through the community.

LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Cookies and cocoa were ready to pick up, provided by Nan’s Donuts and local community bakers.

LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Santa’s decorated hut was ready to children to come in and make their Christmas wish.