Rotary Winter Wonderland Knows the Reason for the Season
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Food pantries all over the country are struggling to keep their shelves stocked with food and household necessities for increasing numbers of people in need. Winter can be the toughest season of all.
But here in Marshfield, the community takes great pride in helping its neighbors by gathering literally tons of food for local food banks at the annual Rotary Winter Wonderland. The dazzling display of holiday lights runs from the day after Thanksgiving through December 30 at Wildwood Park and Zoo.
“There is no charge to come through the park, but we do ask for a donation of food or money,” says Shannon Nienast, steering committee chairman for Rotary Winter Wonderland. “Last year [2007], we collected more than 17 tons of food (about 35,000 items), which goes to support local food pantries.”
The event started in 2006, and overwhelming community support has already made it a shining success.
“What started as a joint project between the Noon Rotary and Sunrise Rotary has grown to be a truly community-wide event,” Nienast explains, noting that local businesses donate to help fund the event.
It takes hundreds of volunteers to string the 350,000-plus bulbs that light up the park, but 20,000 visitors each year appreciate the effort. The drive-through route takes about 10 minutes, while folks on foot spend anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes in the park – and see a lot more that way.
“The setting is the zoo, so displays include lots of animals,” Nienast says. “There’s a live Santa every night through December 25 and a live nativity scene. Our signature display is called the Electric Splash – inspired by the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.” Other attractions include Christmas karaoke, a snowman contest and a children’s parade.
Story by Carol Cowan
