Winterfest’s 25th anniversary a huge success

After a forced hiatus in 2020, the Trumansburg community came together to celebrate the aptly themed “eat, drink and be merry” event on Dec. 4, bringing some much-needed merriment along with it.

Kicking off the packed day of events was the Trumansburg Fire Department’s first-ever drive-thru sandwich fundraiser. Starting at 7 a.m., the fire department offered the most important meal of the day via drive-thru sausage egg and cheese bagel sandwiches, which were offered for $5 each with all proceeds going to upgrade their outdated hydraulic tools.

At 7 a.m. sharp, cars started lining up to purchase sandwiches from firefighter and Treasurer Laura Keys and firefighter and Safety Officer Rod Ferenito, who braved the chilly temperatures for a good cause. At the event, Ferenito said they were expecting to sell 300 sandwiches.

“We purchased all the supplies for the sandwiches and are hoping this gets us closer to our $125,000 goal,” said Committee Chairman Kevin Romer. “Ideally, we want to buy a new fire truck, even though that’s a few years away. It makes more sense than putting upgraded equipment on a vehicle that will need more repairs.”

For anyone wishing to contribute outside of the sandwich fundraiser, checks can be made out to the fire company and mailed in with a notation for The Rescue Tool Fund, Romer said.

“People can also donate to participating businesses that feature a QR code that can be scanned with their phone and donations sent and received right on the spot,” he said. “We feel it’s better to do it this way than to have to raise taxes or anything like that. This gives people the opportunity to donate what they want for tools that will ultimately help everyone.”

The fire company is also celebrating its 10th anniversary of Letters to Santa. Anyone who wishes to get a letter to the big guy can drop it off at the Trumansburg Fire Company between Dec. 5 and 20.

Shepherds Creek Alpacas hosted an open house and then offered meet and greets with their crew of precious alpacas as well as farm tours, refreshments and a gift shop filled with handmade items produced from the fur of their fuzzy friends.

Owners Marc and Barb Sodums made themselves available to answer any questions and educate visitors about alpacas.

“I make all the items in the shop from the materials from the alpacas you meet outside,” Barb said. “They are wonderful. Each one has its own distinct personality.”

Hunt’s Tree Farm celebrated Winterfest with snacks, beverages and a gift shop packed with anything needed to decorate your selected tree. They offer you-pick and cut-your-own trees off of their farm and a selection at their stand of pre-cut trees. This year, they have vowed to stay open every day up to Christmas.

The main collection of activities and offerings was aptly provided on Main Street in downtown Trumansburg. Main Street was closed off to vehicles so attendees could enjoy wandering the iconic event on foot.

True to the theme, local organizations and businesses set up tables with complimentary offerings for all.

Word of Mouth Catering put out a large selection of candies, pastries and cookies displayed in a set-up so beautiful that it would make Martha Stewart blush. The sweets offered ranged from delicate, hand-assembled baklava to giant traditional chocolate chip cookies. Spiced fruit punch was provided to wash down the stunning collection of sweets.

Little Venice, a beloved Trumansburg eatery known for its extravagant and eclectic holiday displays, did not disappoint. Their usual flair stole the show, with dozens of beautifully wrapped, ribbon-draped boxes forming a colorful wall around its costumed staff providing free hot chocolate and cookies to their Pizza Christmas Tree set up next to a life-size, floating vintage frame for pedestrians to pose for pictures in.

The Rotary Club, set up in the middle of the village in front of Tompkins Trust Company, gave out large steaming cups of homemade vegetable soup.

Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy was on hand to entertain the kids. Anyone wishing to take a rest while continuing to enjoy the festivities was offered a complimentary horse-drawn carriage ride through the downtown festival area.

Special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus delighted spectators by arriving via fire truck to light the village Christmas tree and visit with kids.

After weeks of raffle tickets being sold at the Gemm Shop and Shur-Save, 24 lucky winners were selected to receive one of the 24 gift cards purchased from local merchants by the Gemm Shop.

The generous gesture by the Gemm Shop concluded the day of events, providing the Conservatory of Fine Arts, the after-school program, the music boosters and the sports boosters with the split proceeds of the raffle sales.

Trumansburg Connection appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.