By TOM LAVIS
TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM
Music, mirth and merriment are key ingredients in the third annual Portage WinterFest.
The 2009 edition will feature a mixed bag of holiday-related events that will encompass the community-wide celebration.
Festivities kick off Friday and continue through Sunday in and around the borough.
Bonnie Fox, along with Polly Vandzura, both of Portage, serve as WinterFest chairwomen.
“It truly has become a community event that welcomes not only residents and their relatives, but we also invite anyone looking for a little old-fashioned holiday spirit,” Fox said.
“We sent invitations to people in Portage, Cassandra and Lilly, and we welcome the public to attend.”
Friday evening and all day Saturday will be the busiest, with numerous events planned, including a rummage sale, live nativity, parade and craft show.
The community will be buzzing Friday as businesses and churches offer refreshments, conduct rummage sales, offer gift ideas and feature carolers.
At 5:30 p.m., people will gather at Mainline National Bank, 737 Main St., to hear Portage Area High School’s a cappella choir, followed by additional holiday music by the Community Band.
A 10-foot tree will be lit at 6 at the bank signifying the opening of WinterFest.
Bonnie Yetsko of Wilmore, committee treasurer, is encouraging area businesses to light their holiday decorations in conjunction with the tree lighting.
“We want them to wait until after dark Friday to switch on their holiday displays,” Yetsko said.
“By lighting all the lights at the same time, it will give the community a festive appearance.”
Decorated trees will be on display in the bank lobby to allow the public to vote on their favorite tree. The trees will be on view until 8 p.m. and proceeds from the voting support WinterFest.
Officiating at the tree-lighting ceremony will be Santa Claus, who will arrive by fire truck.
Fox pointed to a new event for 2009 that will be a tasty affair.
“We’re calling it the Great Cookie Bake-Off, which will be held Saturday at the Royal Ballroom,” Fox said.
Preregistered participants were asked to bake two dozen holiday cookies.
Judging begins at 9:30 a.m. and cookies will be evaluated on taste, appearance, texture and creativity.
Three cash awards ranging from $25 to $75 will be presented prior to the opening of the event to the public.
“We will open the event to the public for tasting beginning at 11 a.m.,” Fox said.
A craft show, bake sale and basket raffle will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Cassandra fire hall.
Mary McCoy of Portage, craft chairwoman, said more than 20 crafters and vendors will be on hand to sell a variety of items.
“There will be a lot of unique items that would make great last-minute gifts or stocking stuffers for Christmas,” McCoy said.
“There will be woodcrafts, crocheted items and jewelry.”
At 5 p.m. Saturday, the borough’s Christmas parade will step off.
“It will feature Portage’s marching band, floats, fire trucks and the parade always ends with Santa,” Fox said.
Following the parade, children’s treats will be distributed at the WinterFest site, which is located at the vacant lot at Mountain Avenue and Farren Street.
“We also will conduct the Christmas Light Tour from 6 to 9 Saturday,” Fox said.
“We are asking people to donate $1 to this popular attraction.”
People will board a bus every half hour to see the various holiday home displays throughout the area.
Reservations are available by calling 736-3924.
Coinciding with the light tour, a family-oriented dance will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Royal Ballroom. Admission is $3 and children ages 10 and younger are admitted free.
“The dance is for people of all ages and will feature a lot of music geared toward kids and karaoke,” Fox said.
Festivities
What: Portage WinterFest 2009.
Where: In and around Portage Borough.
When: Friday through Sunday.
Admission: Free.
Information: www.portageboro.com.
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