WINTERFEST Dec. 8 Event At The Wellington Amphitheater Will Kick Off Holiday Fun In Wellington
One of the ways the community will be kicking off the holiday season is with Winterfest, being hosted by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Wellington on Friday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 10 p.m.
As in previous years, the featured performer will be Vanilla Ice, who will bring his 1990s-style dance concert to the stage at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Robert Van Winkle, a.k.a. Vanilla Ice, is a Wellington resident and philanthropist who uses the event as a fundraiser.
“We really love you people who have a really great heart,” Vanilla Ice said, inviting everyone in the community to the event, along with their toy donations. “Winterfest is all free, and keep in mind we’re raising money for the Children’s Hospital at Palms West and for Little Smiles.”
Little Smiles (www.littlesmilesfl.org) is a nonprofit that helps children of all ages who are facing devastating circumstances, including terminal illness, abandonment and other trauma. The professionals working with them understand each child’s unique situation and how to help them heal, but they often lack the resources and financial support to make them smile. They turn to Little Smiles, which provides volunteers, supplies and funds to bring joy into the lives of these children, usually through gifts and fun activities.
Winterfest will also feature musical and dance performances by local talent, the Blizzard Beach live show, the Kids Winter Wonderland Village, exhibitors, shopping and food vendors, as well as a beer and margarita garden.
Kevin, Virginia and Jason of the KVJ Show on 97.9 WRMF FM are teaming up on Winterfest this year and can’t wait until the big day.
“Twelve years ago, the Vanilla Ice Holiday Block Party was a massive keg party, with live music, in a field in Lake Worth,” they explained. “Since then, it has evolved and moved from Clematis Street to Downtown at the Gardens and will finally land in a logical location this year, Wellington — Vanilla Ice’s hometown. In partnership with Wellington Winterfest, we plan on presenting the biggest family event of the entire year in Palm Beach County. We are hoping to smash previous year’s records for toy donations to our charity, Little Smiles.”
This year’s presenting sponsor is ChukkerTV and its president and executive producer, Michael Ferreira.
“This year, I have the pleasure to not only be the presenting sponsor of this event, but also serve as the president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce,” Ferreira said. “This event brings to the residents of Wellington a one-of-a-kind holiday event like none other in Palm Beach County. We are so grateful to our headline performer Vanilla Ice for continuing to participate each year. ChukkerTV and the Grand Champions Polo Club are honored to participate each and every year, bringing this event to the residents of Wellington.”
Vanilla Ice encouraged everyone to put the event on their calendar.
“Get ready for a good time!” he said. “Get in where you fit in, because it’s going to be the best time ever! We’re going to have thousands of people, and we’re going to have everybody dancing and having a good time, but the main thing is it’s all for a good cause.”
For more information about Winterfest, call the Wellington Chamber at (561) 792-6525 or visit www.wellingtonchamber.com. Get Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/winterfestwellington.
