Returns To The Wellington Amphitheater On Dec. 3

Chamber, Village Team Up As Winterfest

Returns To The Wellington Amphitheater On Dec. 3

Story and Photos by Julie Unger

Wellington’s Winterfest celebration will return to its roots this year. Staged by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Wellington, the event will be hosted back where it all began, at the Wellington Amphitheater on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 7 to 10 p.m.

seniors. Our performances will reflect that,” Green said. “There’s a lineup of performers from every genre of music you can think of.”

Michaela Paige from The Voice, Nicky

“We’re doing this at the amphithe- ater to celebrate the village and the chamber turning 20 years old,” said Mi- chela Green, executive director of the chamber.

Rob Van Winkle —  better  known by his stage name Vanilla Ice  — will  be headlining Winterfest once again, along with Wes Kain from the Vanilla Ice Project, who will be returning as the emcee.

Green thanked Van Winkle for his support.   “His   commitment   and  his

philanthropic outreach to Wellington astounds me every year,” she said. “With such a busy schedule, and with him be- ing a national celebrity, and of course a rock icon, I’m absolutely honored that he does this event with us every year.”

As the chamber and village gear up for another amazing Winterfest, Green is excited about the community involve- ment. “I think it’s spectacular. It’s a  true community holiday event. There’s something for everyone, from little children  to  millennials  to  parents to

Greed, the Wellington High School chamber chorus, the Wellington High School dance team, Sarah Spiritual, Alyssa Coon, the Palm Beach Opera, Precision Dance Conservatory, Vell P, Latillia Jackson, Aliyah Pike and others will take to the stage.

“This year, aside from the holiday theme, people are performing some original songs,” Green said. “We have some rhythm and blues, we have some Palm Beach Opera, we have a dance troupe.”

More than a dozen food trucks will be available starting at 5 p.m. before the performances start at 7 p.m. The entire municipal campus will be uti- lized for Winterfest, including the new Wellington Community Center.

Wellington Cultural Programs & Fa- cilities Manager Joe Piconcelli is look- ing forward to showing off the new community center, as well as the amphi- theater, Scott’s Place playground, the Great Lawn and more.

“I’m extremely excited about it re- turning,” he said. “It’s a great event for our venue. I’m excited to have Vanilla Ice back again.”

Founded at the Wellington Amphi- theater, the event has been staged in recent years at the Palm Beach Interna- tional Equestrian Center.

Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig, who first met Vanilla Ice during the in- augural Winterfest as a newly elected council member, is excited to take part in her first Winterfest as mayor.

“It feels like it’s back where it started. I think it’s a homegrown community event, so I’m glad to have it back,” she said, explaining that the facilities at the amphitheater and the community cen- ter are perfect for the event.

A mayoral tradition, Gerwig will be reading ’Twas The Night Before Christmas to youngsters at the event.

Winterfest will feature Blizzard Beach, a family-themed area with snow, zip lining, an obstacle course, kid-friend- ly activities and kid-friendly vendors. The Potions in Motion VIP Lounge will be open, Green said, featuring light ap- petizers, a cash bar and beverages.

Winterfest is a free community event. Green suggests that attendees arrive early to find somewhere to park, and if they live nearby, to walk or ride over on a bicycle. A shuttle will also depart from the original Wellington Mall for over- flow parking.

In 2010, at the first official Winter- fest featuring Vanilla Ice, almost  4,000

people attended. In 2015, that number nearly doubled. This year, anywhere from 6,000 to 8,000 attendees are ex- pected.

“Although I’ve attended several Win- terfest events, I know this one will be the biggest and best ever,” Wellington Chamber President Debbie Crompton said. “We are anticipating record-break- ing crowds. We have a whole lineup of brand new performers and vendors, and, of course, the grand finale with Vanilla Ice is second to none.”

For top sponsors, there will be a pri- vate VIP reception. Photo booths will also add to the fun. Vendor and spon- sor opportunities are still available. Pre- senting sponsors include the Santama- ria family, the original Wellington Mall, the Royal Inn, Grand Champions Polo Club and ChukkerTV, as well as Eques- trian Sport Productions.

For more information about Winterfest, visit www.wellingtonchamber.com or call (561) 792-6200.

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