Winter WonderFest kickoff party Sept. 21 to highlight all that’s new for 2017

Delaware's most exciting holiday fundraiser is gearing up for its second year of high-energy excitement designed to create lasting memories for residents and visitors in Sussex County. Local nonprofit groups can benefit from all that Winter WonderFest 2017 has in store from Friday, Nov. 17, to New Year's Eve Sunday, Dec. 31.

"Thanks to the overwhelming community support in our first year, Winter WonderFest raised over $100,000, which we shared with 17 deserving local organizations. All the money we raise stays right here in Sussex County," said John Snow, president of Festival of Cheer Inc., the nonprofit organization that oversees event planning and execution. Snow noted that Winter WonderFest wouldn't be possible without the generosity of its sponsors and dedicated volunteers. "In 2016, our teams of volunteers totaled over 2,000 hours. This year we'll need even more," he said.

The Community Kick-Off Party is open to everyone from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21, at Crooked Hammock Brewery and Restaurant on Kings Highway in Lewes. Guests will enjoy complimentary party bites by the restaurant.

"Everyone is invited to join us to learn firsthand all that's new for 2017," said Peter Briccotto, executive producer. "We're committed to making our second year even bigger and brighter. We want to keep enhancing Winter WonderFest so it grows into one of the country's top holiday destinations."

Briccotto said the Festival of Cheer team has spent months evaluating community feedback regarding the first year's event. "There was so much valuable input from hundreds of people. With all that we have planned for this year, people will want to come back for more than one visit," he said.

"It's an ideal way for new and returning sponsors to learn how their businesses can benefit from supporting Winter WonderFest. Our team will be on hand to explain the many levels of sponsorships we offer," said Josh Grapski, Festival of Cheer treasurer. "We're thankful for the generosity of our returning sponsors, as well as the many new ones. And we're very happy to announce that Preston Automotive Group is this year's important Presenting Sponsor for Winter WonderFest."

Shops, restaurants, hotels and other local businesses will enjoy high visibility through the many marketing and social media efforts during the fourth-quarter holiday season. "The Winter WonderFest people really do know how to effectively promote the many wonderful aspects of the event," said Betsy Reamer, Lewes Chamber of Commerce executive director. "The event attracted visitors from 26 states around the county to Lewes." Reamer said festival organizers support holiday events all over the Delmarva region. "We're a small state, but they embrace the big picture to put Winter WonderFest on the map."

"We couldn't have asked for better volunteers last year," said Briccotto. "We need at least 25 people each night, so we want them to come back this year. And bring a friend." Kickoff party guests are invited to stop by the volunteer sign-up desk to see all the different ways community members can be involved. Briccotto says there's something for everyone at Winter WonderFest, whether it's being involved with the Light Spectacular show at Cape Henlopen State Park or the many activities at the Christmas Village at Lewes Ferry Terminal.

Briccotto said the No. 1 community request was for more light displays. As a result, 30 percent more holiday light displays will be added to the Light Spectacular show with a new and improved route for vehicles in Cape Henlopen State Park.

Thanks to Visit Delaware, the state's tourism bureau, this year's Winter WonderFest visitors will enjoy ice skating on real ice! A newly constructed Visit Delaware Ice Rink will debut at the ferry terminal grounds with opportunities for community programs, public sessions and private rentals. The rink will be open Tuesday to Sunday.

Other highlights include the Dashin' Thru The Show grand opening weekend. Friday, Nov. 17, there will be a fun run/walk through the Light Spectacular show for an up-close view and plenty of selfie photo ops. Saturday, Nov. 18, is the Barkin' Thru The Show dog walk. Sunday, Nov. 19 , is the Peddlin' Through The Show bicycle tour, ideal for families and groups of friends.

The Light Spectacular at the state park and The Christmas Village at Lewes Ferry Terminal will be open the same hours the same days. Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, Winter WonderFest will be open from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The expanded Christmas Village will include a new midway with two new carnival rides, outdoor fire pit and nightly professional entertainment plus local performance groups. Santa's workshops are returning, along with St. Nick every night. There will be more outdoor holiday decor and impressive giving tree outposts for community charity participation. The Lodge at the Christmas Village is a heated gathering spot on the midway for bites and adult beverages.

A new free mobile app for smartphones will provide easy methods for guests to receive event information, weather updates, geotagging features, connections to sponsors' businesses, exclusive contests and discount offers. A customized music experience for drivers going through the Light Spectacular is also included.

The lucky winner of the $10 car raffle will drive off in their choice of a new Ford Mustang or Jeep Wrangler, courtesy of Winter WonderFest Presenting Sponsor Preston Automotive.

Advance admission to the Light Spectacular is $15 for cars, $30 for vans and $50 for buses. Gate prices are $20, $35 and $50 respectively. Single tickets will be available online beginning Thursday, Sept 22. Discounts are available in advance for groups bringing multiple vehicles.

For more information, go to www.wonderfestde.org.